The People:
Alan Smith is hoping for a January loan move to German giants Bayern Munich after turning down offers from three Premiership clubs last week.
I can reveal that Newcastle, Everton and Aston Villa contacted United in a bid to entice Smith to join them for a loan spell to regain full fitness and revive his Manchester United career following his horrific injury last season where he broke his left leg and dislocated his ankle.
But the £7million striker turned down Glenn Roeder, David Moyes and Martin O'Neill after also telling Cardiff and former club Leeds that he wasn't interested in dropping down into The Championship.
Smith has also spoken to Roy Keane at Sunderland, but it's believed their conversation centered on encouragement from the former United skipper who also came back from career-threatening injuries.
Now the hope for Smith is that a deal can be struck with Bayern with United hoping to make progress in their efforts to sign England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who is recovering from a broken leg.
Smith believes a spell in the Bundesliga will give him the chance to return to form away from the spotlight of the Premiership.