THE WORLD AND HIS WIFE

United are reportedly ready to lure Sunderland striker David Bellion away from the Stadium of Light. The 20-year-old striker moved to Sunderland last season on a free transfer from French side Cannes. Although he is not the finished article, his genuine pace has seen him likened to Arsenal's

Thierry Henry - with his ability to play on the wing adding to the likeness. Sunderland are now looking to tie down the player widely regarded as the best young player at the club. But talks over a new contract have not yet begun, which has led to increasing speculation about his future.

"The gaffer has told me that he will contact me later to talk about the contract," Bellion said.

"My agents will talk to him, but nothing has happened yet. I am enjoying it at Sunderland for the moment and I'll have to wait and see what happens.

"All I know is that the manager said he thinks the club are going to offer me a new contract."

United have recently taken Sunderland's former reserve team coach Ricky Sbragia to Old Trafford - and this could be significant if the Red Devil's do attempt to buy him. Sbragia coached Bellion for his first year at Sunderland and named him as a star of the future - and this has led to him giving Sir Alex Ferguson a strong recommendation.

Meanwhile Ronaldo has again hinted about a possible move to the Premiership at some point in the future.

"I have great admiration for Arsenal and Manchester United and what they have achieved.

"They're both big clubs with strong tradition. Gilberto told me about England and how exciting it can be and how tough too.

"I'd like the excitement of the game there, and my team-mate Steve McManaman tells me that if I ever play in England, I would get lots of chances."

The Sunday Mirror reports that United have first refusal on a player rated in France as the next Patrick Vieira.

Cameroon international Eric Djemba-Djemba is currently being tracked by Sir Alex Ferguson after a series of powerful performances in front of the United manager, who was spying on Nantes teammate Sylvain Armand.

United are ready to unveil Nantes as the latest club to agree a partnership - as revealed in Sunday Mirror Sport two weeks ago - in the New Year. Ferguson has used the arrangement to put down a marker on 21-year-old Djemba-Djemba, who is rated at £5million.