Ins and Outs: Transfer window closing

This week's news and rumours on player transfers and trades from the world of sport.

NRL / AFL / Football

NRL

New Zealand international Frank Pritchard has been rather sensationally labelled as "a selfish individual" by former Panthers forward Matt Adamson, after announcing he was leaving Penrith for the Canterbury Bulldogs this week.

Pritchard signed a three-year deal worth $1.2 million with the Bulldogs, with fears the timing of his announcement - two weeks before the finals series - could derail the Panthers' campaign.

The Kiwi big man turned down an offer from the Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby franchise to join the Bulldogs.

One man making his way out of Canterbury is veteran halfback Brett Kimmorley, who will hang up the boots after 15 years in the NRL.

Kimmorley, who has played 20 Test matches, 10 State of Origin matches and won a (legitimate) premiership with the Melbourne Storm in 1999, will retire at the end of the season after being told that the club would not renew his contract. He's taking on an assistant coaching role at Canterbury.

And Pritchard's international teammate Manu Vatuvei is set to become just the second 10-year player for the New Zealand Warriors, with the big winger signing a new two-year deal with the club.

AFL

There's a five-man field in the running for the Port Adelaide coaching job, with two "mystery candidates" reportedly joining caretaker coach Matthew Primus, Essendon development coach Alan Richardson and Fremantle assistant coach Chris Scott in the race.

The two unknown candidates are said to be working with AFL teams that will be playing in next month's finals series.

The Brisbane Lions are poised to let Jared Brennan go to the Gold Coast Suns in return for a high draft pick.

Brisbane doens't have the salary cap space to compete with the Gold Coast's offer for Brennan, who could earn more than $2 million over three years with the new club. The Lions have said they will not pay that kind of money to keep him.

Adelaide Crows veteran Andrew McLeod has retired from the AFL after 340 matches, with injury having ruled him out of the last part of the season. (Check out our compilation of some of McLeod's career highlights.)

And injury-prone Adelaide forward Trent Hentschel has also announced his retirement. The 27-year-old played 71 AFL games in a career hampered by knee, hamstring and back injuries.

FOOTBALL

Less than a week to go before the European transfer deadline, and clubs are racing to get their squads finalised for the news season.

Plenty of movement for struggling giants Liverpool, who have sent last season's €16 million ($22.9m) signing Alberto Aquilani back to Italy, with Juventus picking up the midfielder on loan.

Another Reds midfielder seemingly on his way out is Argentina captain Javier Mascherano, who is keen for a move to Barcelona. He was left out of Liverpool's squad for the team's 3-0 loss to Manchester City thanks to the distraction, with Reds boss Roy Hodgson giving Barcelona until Sunday to agree to his €22 million ($31.5m) asking price.

And finally, Liverpool have reportedly made an offer for West Ham striker Carlton Cole worth £6 million ($10.5m) up front and up to another £6 million later.

Elsewhere, Arsenal centre-back William Gallas has left the London club for arch rivals Tottenham on free transfer.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has added fuel to speculation he will be leaving Barcelona for AC Milan, saying he'd like to play with Milan star (and former Barca star) Ronaldinho, and that Barca manager Pep Guardiola hasn't spoken to him in six months.

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has reignited speculation he could make a move for English Premier League stars Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole and Steven Gerrard in the future, describing the trio as "great players" who "would be even better here at Madrid, because I am here".

Newcastle United have joined in the race for Paraguay international striker Roque Santa Cruz, who has been a victim of Manchester City's bloated squad. Lazio are believed to be leading the race to sign Santa Cruz on loan.

Another Man City forward, Brazil star Robinho, wants a move to Italy or Spain after being ordered back home this season following his loan move to Santos.

And Championship club Crystal Palace have picked up former Netherlands and Juventus star midfielder Edgar Davids, 37, on a pay-as-you-play basis.