TRANSFER RUMOUR ROUNDUP

Last updated : 12 October 2004 By editor

Middlesbrough goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has admitted he is flattered to be linked with a possible move to Manchester United.

Reports suggest the 32-year-old could move to Old Trafford with Phil Neville moving in the opposite direction but Schwarzer is unsure what the future holds.

"It's all speculation - when you have eight months to go on your contract, it's always going to lead to speculation," he said.

"It's very flattering (to be linked with Manchester United).

"I've been around the Premiership for a while now and had some good performances so that tends to your get your name put around a bit. But in all honesty, I'm not sure what's going to happen."

Chelsea keeper Carlo Cudicini is poised to hand in a transfer request after becoming disillusioned with life under Jose Mourinho and attracting the attention of Manchester United. Cudicini has lost his place to Petr Cech this season and no longer wants to remain on the bench while other clubs are prepared to offer him first-team football. United are one of a number of clubs who are keeping close tabs on the situation.

Speculation is also mounting that Souness want’s Wes Brown and might do a deal with Dyer coming our way.

United are understood to be considering a New Year swoop for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing .Sir Alex Ferguson made an enquiry about Downing last season and is back on his trail after the 20-year-old's goalscoring display for Boro at Old Trafford eight days ago.The Red Devils boss knows how highly England Under-21 star Downing is rated at The Riverside, and that he signed a new long-term contract earlier this year.But Ferguson hopes that Boro boss Steve McClaren's high regard for the versatility of Neville may persuade him to do business.