In their rag today:
Patrick Vieira has sensationally become Sir Alex Ferguson's number one target.
I can reveal that Fergie is closely watching Vieira's progress in Italian football where it is understood fresh racist fears may have re-emerged for the Frenchman.
Vieira's first foray into Serie A with AC Milan 10 years' ago ended with the midfield star quitting in disgust after racist taunts blighted his stay in Italy.
The SP revealed in the summer how United were trying to tie up a deal. Even with the huge wages he'd command as a free agent, Ballack would certainly work out as a cheaper alternative to Vieira.
But the suspicion remains that he is holding Bayern to ransom and will commit his future to them when they come up with a record-breaking offer.
That is why Vieira is now United's top target .
And on Adu, USA's boy wonder:
Adu, who has played 25 games for the Washington-based DC United this season, hinted last week that he was ready to try his luck in Europe.
He admitted: "It is very, very, very, very tempting to look at playing elsewhere. As a matter of fact, I'm doing that right now.
"I always have to make the best decision for myself first and I'm just looking into things right now.
"We'll see what happens at the end of the season and see where my family and myself are heading."
The deal will please Nike. The United kit sponsors also have a personal contract with Adu, who is the youngest professional team sport athlete in the States for more than a century.