FERGIE TURNS TO SENNA

Last updated : 22 June 2006 By Ed

The Times:

Manchester United are considering a move for Marcos Senna, the Spain midfield player. Sir Alex Ferguson has already lined up Michael Carrick for a transfer to Old Trafford and sees Senna as a dynamic accomplice.

The Brazilian-born player has spent the past four years playing for Villarreal and has impressed so much in recent months that he has forced his way into the Spanish national team at the age of 29. He was in the starting line-up for his country's first two matches in the World Cup finals, although he was replaced at half-time by Francesc Fàbregas, of Arsenal, against Tunisia on Monday evening.

Ferguson, who is still seeking to replace Roy Keane, has made signing two midfield players his priority. Carrick will move from Tottenham Hotspur for about £12 million and the United manager wants a durable player alongside him. John Obi Mikel, the young Nigerian, would have been the ideal long-term solution but he has joined Chelsea from Lyn Oslo, the Norwegian club, with United receiving £12 million as a settlement after a protracted row.

Neither Carrick nor Senna could be regarded as A-list players in a summer when Chelsea have signed Michael Ballack, Andriy Shevchenko and Mikel at huge cost.

But Ferguson must work within a budget and that has already scuppered a move for Mahamadou Diarra, the midfield player whom Lyons valued at £20 million.

The return of Paul Scholes and Alan Smith from long-term injuries should reinforce Ferguson's squad, but there is unlikely to be any big-name arrival at Old Trafford even if Ruud van Nistelrooy departs.

The Sun:

Manchester United have upped their bid for England star Michael Carrick to £14.2million.

Old Trafford chief Alex Ferguson is keen to strengthen his midfield and has identified the Tottenham ace as the man for the job.

An initial £10m bid was rejected earlier this month. But Fergie is determined to get his man and the new offer comes close to the valuation Spurs chief Martin Jol has put on Carrick.

A move to United is believed to appeal to the former West Ham midfielder, who is currently with England in Germany.

United have failed to replace former captain Roy Keane while doubts remain over Paul Scholes after a series of injuries.