* From the Sunday Express:
Mahamadou Diarra has flown in for secret talks with Manchester United as manager Sir Alex Ferguson closes in on his £20 million main summer transfer target. Sunday Express Sport can reveal that Lyon midfielder Diarra, 24, who is also wanted by Chelsea was given the red carpet treatment by United on Thursday.
Diarra spent an hour at Old Trafford in high-powered discussions with United chief executive David Gill. He was then whisked away to United's training ground where he was shown around for two hours. It is understood that he also met manager Ferguson who is desperate to add Diarra to his squad as United look to beef up their assault on the title next season.
* Paul McShane is still wanted at Brighton despite having to return to OT for an operation.
Mark McGhee (Brighton manager) explained: "Paul's had a double hernia and he needed to get it sorted.
"He's got a year left on his contract at Manchester United but we'd certainly like to see him back. We'll see what happens over the summer months."