TRANSFER RUMOURS

There was a wealth of talented young European players on show when Sir Alex Ferguson took his seat at the French First Division match between Rennes and Auxerre last weekend, but the Manchester United manager was primarily there to meet Julien Escude, the former France Under-21 defender.

The Daily Telegraph understands that Ferguson caught up with Escude after the match and was spotted deep in conversation with the left-back in the VIP area of Rennes' stadium.

Manchester United will join Premiership rival Arsenal in bidding for Real Madrid full-back Roberto Carlos if Ryan Giggs moves to Italy, the Mail also reported.

Some old rumours being dredged up again.

Tottenham’s Welsh winger Simon Davies has joined a lengthy Manchester United summer transfer target list, says the Daily Mail. Davies is apparently wanted along with Sunderland striker David Bellion.

Newspaper reports claim Barthez is homesick and keen to return to France with his girlfriend who is expecting his first child, with Monaco a possible destination.

He has suffered from hip problems and at 31 it is thought United are unsure about his long-term future at Old Trafford.

Ferguson is rumoured to have already began his search for possible replacements for the 1998 World Cup winner.

West Ham's David James and Sunderland's Thomas Sorensen are said to be options should their sides be relegated. Ferguson is also thought to be a big fan of Chelsea keeper Carlo Cudicini and Turkish international Rustu Recber.

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