The Indie:
Word has it that the gimlet eye of Ferguson is focused on Lyon's 22-year-old Ghanaian Michael Essien, who scored twice in the 7-2 defeat of Werder Bremen on Tuesday, as a prospective long-term replacement for Keane. Gattuso, the former Rangers man, and the Brazil-based Argentinian Javier Mascherano could also be part of United's summer harvest.
Rent-a-quote Frank Stapleton in the M.E.N:
"I had trials with United when I was a schoolboy, but they did not make me a positive offer so eventually I signed for Arsenal. It was nine years later that I was sold to the club I had supported when I was a boy and I was amazed to find out Essien's story is the same as mine. He was with United when he was 16 years old and I cannot believe they didn't sign him because I have to say when I saw him playing against them for Lyon I was very impressed.
"I suppose he could have come on a lot, but he is only 22 years old, and looks a great prospect. They are going to find it difficult to get him now because so many other clubs seem to fancy him. Real Madrid and Arsenal have both shown an interest.
"He looks the perfect package, but you can never tell. A lot would depend on whether he can do it on a stage like Old Trafford.
"Essien is not a prolific scorer although he got two on Tuesday. He is an aggressive ball winner in midfield and that is something United need. I thought he was outstanding at Old Trafford in November."