Papers: Elm move hint

01/12/2011 09:21

The Mirror writes…

Elm hints at possible United move

Sweden midfielder Rasmus Elm says he is flattered by links with Manchester United as rumours continue that the champions may move for him in January. The AZ Alkmaar wide man caught the eye in his country's defeat at Wembley recently, with Joe Hart having to beat away a clever corner. Elm, 23, said: "You have to take rumours for what they are, but it is obviously flattering if there is some truth in it. I don't close the door to any league. But the most important thing is to develop here and do as well as I can in Holland." Elm would be a possible replacement for Antonio Valencia, who has slipped behind Ashley Young and Nani in the Old Trafford pecking order. United's midfiield has been a cause for concern this season, and Sir Alex Ferguson has been linked with a host of players in the absence of injured Tom Cleverley and Anderson. But, last week, he appeared to rule out buying in the upcoming transfer window, saying: "It is easy to say you are going to buy players but it is not easy to buy them for Manchester United, especially in January," he said. "I do not see anyone who could make us a better team. There are two or three players but they are not available, so there is no point even going there."

Several newspapers suggest Mark Hughes is in the frame to replace former United team-mate Steve Bruce at Sunderland with the suggestion that he could even hold talks on Wearside as early as today.

The Daily Mail believe City are growing increasingly confident that they can lure  from Old Trafford. The Frenchman came off the bench in the disappointing Carling Cup exit to Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

source : Manutd

Papers: £15m Berba bid?

17/11/2011 10:22

David McDonnell writes in The Mirror...

Russians plan £15m Berbatov swoop

Dimitar Berbatov is a £15million January target for mega-spending Russian club FC Anzhi Makhachkala. Berbatov, currently out of favour at Manchester United, has been offered an escape route from his Old Trafford predicament. Anzhi have been in talks with the 30-year-old's agent, Emil Danchev, and are willing to pay the striker £7.5million a year. Berbatov and his agent are holding out for £12m, but a deal will be done if a compromise is reached on the player’s wage demands. “We would be interested when Anzhi make a concrete offer,” said Danchev. “We will sit down with Dimitar and ponder this. I don’t know if Dimitar is happy in Manchester. He plays, then he just sits on the bench.” United are willing to let Berbatov go - particularly with Anzhi willing to pay such a generous price for the Bulgarian, who was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from Tottenham for £30m in 2008.

Fabio Capello has heaped praise upon Phil Jones, even comparing the United defender to Franco Baresi and Fernando Hierro. Having cast a watchful eye over the 19-year old during the recent international break, the England manager is confident Jones can emulate the legendary pair.“It is difficult to find a player like him, really difficult," says Capello, quoted in The Telegraph. "He can play in different positions always at the top level. I found in my career probably two players – Franco Baresi and Fernando Hierro. They played as midfielders and after they played centre-back.”

The same paper claims Liverpool striker Luis Suarez will plead not guilty after the FA charged the Uruguayan for his conduct towards Patrice Evra during United’s 1-1 draw at Anfield in October.

source : manutd