TRANSFER TALK

* The Sun says: 'Everton are ready to make a £6million bid for Alan Smith next month.

'Boss David Moyes is a big fan of the Manchester United striker — although he is unsure whether Alex Ferguson will sell.'

* The Mail:

Manchester United believe they are leading the race to sign highly-rated Southampton left back Gareth Bale.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been impressed by the 17-year-old's performances for his club and for Wales and is considering bidding £7m for him in the January transfer window.

It is understood that if United do sign Bale then they will loan him back to Southampton for the rest of the season - and perhaps next season as well.

Fergusonis aware of the impressive football education the teenager is receiving at St Mary's Stadium from Southampton manager George Burley.

And the United manager does not want to interrupt that process until United are in a position to offer him first-team football themselves.

Currently United are well covered at left-back, with Gabriel Heinze and Patrice Evra fighting it out for the regular position with Mikael Silvestre also available in the Premiership leaders' squad.

But such is Bale's promise that Ferguson believes he can be a United regular for ten years if he can clinch his signature.

* BBC:

Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans is poised to join Sunderland on loan for the rest of the season.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reported to have approved the highly-rated 18-year-old's move to join Roy Keane at the Stadium of Light.

* Sky say that United are interested in Sevilla youngster Antonio Puerta. A Google search says he is a midfielder.