FREDDIE READY TO JOIN HAMMERS - REPORT

West Ham have announced a 2pm press conference today, with reports claiming they will unveil Freddie Ljungberg as their fifth summer signing.

Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet quotes Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson as confirming his interest in the Arsenal midfielder, who has also been linked with a move to Italian club Fiorentina.

Magnusson said: "We're definitely interested. I hope things will work out positively. Other than that I can't comment. You can draw your own conclusions from that."

Ljungberg, 30, is the Gunners' longest serving player, having joined them from Halmstad in 1998 for £3million.

He was a instant hit, and boasts a goalscoring record of 72 in 325 games for the club.

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LJUNGBERG AGENT COOLS CITY TALK

Freddie Ljungberg's agent has played down reports he could join Manchester City by admitting it is unlikely he will stay in the Premier League.

Despite still being under contract at Arsenal, Ljungberg is expected to leave the Emirates Stadium and has been linked with a move to Eastlands.

However, his representative Claes Elefalk told Swedish news agency TT: "He has earlier said that due to his respect for the Arsenal fans he can't play for another English club."

Ljungberg is also subject to interest from Italian side Fiorentina.

"Arsenal are demanding more than the offer Fiorentina have tabled,'' Elefalk added. "The clubs have to reach an agreement first, then we will sit down and discuss an eventual offer.

"We haven't reached that stage yet.''

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VIOLA DISCUSS LJUNGBERG MOVE - AGENT

Arsenal and Fiorentina are in talks about Freddie Ljungberg joining the Italian club, according to the midfielder's agent.

The 30-year-old Sweden international, who struggled with injury last season, has a contract with the Gunners until 2009 but has also reportedly attracted the interest of both Sunderland and Manchester City.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said in January he wanted to keep Ljungberg but agent Claes Elefalk claims the club are discussing a possible transfer with Fiorentina.

"The two clubs are in discussions," Elefalk told Swedish news agency TT. "If they come to an agreement, Fredrik can think about looking at a move."

He added: "Fredrik is really happy at Arsenal, but if it is an option, he could also consider a move to Fiorentina."

Ljungberg joined the Gunners from Halmstads for ฃ3million in September 1998 and has made more than 300 appearances, weighing in with more than 70 goals.

In 2002, he became the first player to score in successive FA Cup finals for 40 years.

Arsenal have yet to comment on the possibility he will leave and they have also kept silent on reports they are about to sign French full-back Bakary Sagna from Auxerre.

French sports daily L'Equipe claim Sagna, 24, is currently in London and ready to complete a medical once the two clubs agree on a fee.

In June, Sagna, seen as a long-term replacement for Willy Sagnol at right-back in the France national side, was called up to the squad to face Ukraine and Georgia but has still to win his first cap.

Arsenal currently have Ivory Coast star Emmanuel Eboue in pole position at right-back and manager Arsene Wenger has tagged him a "future great".

Now Auxerre expect Sagna back in training at the end of the week if he does not tie up a switch to the Emirates Stadium, where fans are waiting to see what plans the manager has to compensate for the loss of superstar striker Thierry Henry in a ฃ16million move to Barcelona.

It is a question that centre-back William Gallas, signed from Chelsea in an exchange deal with Ashley Cole last season, has brought into sharp focus by reportedly demanding crisis talks with Wenger over his failure to bring in big names.

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