English football news in brief

Bentley no axe to grind with RedknappDAVID Bentley insists he is not a "big-time Charlie" and has no axe to grind with Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp as he looks to rebuild his career during a six-month loan spell with Birmingham.

Bentley said: "My relationship with Harry is fine and it is difficult when you have an abundance of talent (to pick from). It has been a difficult time, being out of the team, and there are so many great players there."

Leicester take Yakubu on loan

Leicester have signed Everton striker Ayegbeni Yakubu on loan until the end of the season. The npower Championship club confirmed they had reached an agreement with Everton which could lead to a permanent deal in the summer. The 28-year-old Nigeria international passed a medical and will be eligible to play for the Foxes as soon as he receives Football League clearance.

Spain's Levante try Wellington for size

Levante have agreed to take 18-year-old Brazilian striker Wellington on loan from Arsenal for the rest of the season. "There is no option to buy him. Arsenal want the player to develop," said Levante sports director Manolo Salvado. "According to Arsene Wenger his opportunities would be limited at Arsenal because of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri."

Exits for Santa Cruz and Wright-Phillips

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed Roque Santa Cruz is almost certain to return to Blackburn within the coming days - and paved the way for Shaun Wright-Phillips' departure as well. Mancini has already stated that Edin Dzeko will probably be the only new face arriving at Eastlands. Wayne Bridge was first man out of the exit door, joining West Ham on loan.

Rooney jnr joins Henry at Red Bulls

John Rooney, younger brother of England and Manchester United striker Wayne, will team up with French striker Thierry Henry at the New York Red Bulls after being selected in the MLS draft last night. Rooney, 20 was picked by the Red Bulls in the second round of the draft, which allows MLS team to take their pick of college talent and a handful of young foreign players. The midfielder, who played with Macclesfield, took part in the MLS's trials this week.