NEWS ROUND-UP

Meanwhile Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes confirms he offered the player to Barca in the wake of the World Cup: “I offered the player to Barca but they told me they were going to sign Thierry Henry and so said no deal.”

Wes Brown in the MEN:

“I'm a Manchester lad and Old Trafford is still the only place for me. My contract runs to 2008 and I would love to see out my career at United - I've no intention of going anywhere else.

“It's going great at the moment - everyone's enjoying themselves and there's a cracking team spirit in the dressing room.”

From the Independent:

Bids of around £5m have been rejected for two of the hottest properties in English football, with Southampton turning down offers from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for their left-back Gareth Bale.

Improved deals are expected for both players before this month's transfer window closes, however.

Southampton are hoping to head that off by offering Bale, the 17-year-old Wales international, a one-year contract extension which will tie him to the Championship club until 2009. Spurs are thought to have made the opening bid for Bale, of around £3m, with United then offering £5m.

It is unlikely that he will leave St Mary's for less than £7m, however, with Arsenal, Newcastle United and Liverpool also monitoring developments. The Premiership leaders remain the favourites to sign him, though.

From the MEN:

Derby have completed the signing of United midfielder David Jones in £1million-plus deal. The 22-year-old, who had been on loan at Pride Park since November, has agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Coca-Cola Championship promotion contenders.

Jones made four appearances for the Red Devils and has played for England Under-21s.