8.30am Man Utd news LIVE: Pogba back in training, Grealish £60m and £150k-a-week, Koulibaly transfer LATEST – The Sun
BRUNO FERNANDES found the net again as Man Utd earned a valuable point against Everton.
And the Red Devils could soon have one of the Premier League's most formidable midfields with Paul Pogba's return just around the corner.
Follow all the latest updates and transfer gossip from Old Trafford below…
BIG ON SMALLING
Tottenham are preparing a shock transfer bid for Chris Smalling, according to reports.
The Manchester United defender, 30, has impressed this season during his loan spell with Roma.
Paulo Fonseca's side are keen to keep the English centre-back beyond the end of the season, with Roma hoping to pay around £14million but Manchester United are thought to want £17m.
Boss Fonseca admitted in February: “Is it possible Smalling stays here at Roma? Yes. He is a very strong player and has had an immediate connection with Italian football.
“He is a great player, very important for us and likes to live in Rome.”
But with Roma yet to agree a deal to make the switch permanent, Tuttosport believe Spurs want to nick in front in the queue and capture Smalling – dubbed 'Smalldini' after his fine form, which includes keeping nine clean sheets in 28 appearances.
PAUL OF DUTY
Paul Pogba will return to training this week, sources have told ESPN.
The Frenchman has been going through rehabilitation in Dubai after ankle surgery, but is not expected to participate in Thursday's FA Cup game at Derby or Sunday's Manchester derby at home to Man City.
However, he could make his return in the Europa League game against LASK Linz.
MORNING RED DEVILS FANS
Manchester United needed Bruno Fernandes to rescue a point against Everton on Sunday.
David De Gea’s clanger allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score an early opener.
But Fernandes fired back with a rocket from distance to spare the goalie’s blushes.
United almost gave up their point when Calvert-Lewin’s late shot took a deflection off Harry Maguire before hitting the back of the net.
However, VAR called the goal back for offside as an injured Gylfi Sigurdsson had been lying on the floor at the time and was deemed to be blocking De Gea’s line of sight.
It means United remain three points behind Chelsea after their 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday.
They are level on points with Wolves, and just two ahead of Spurs and Sheffield United.
The Red Devils’ next game is an FA Cup tie away at Derby on Thursday.
And they then host Man City in the league on Sunday.
In terms of transfers, United are believed to be looking at 16-year-old Adrian Akande.
He has already snubbed an offer from Chelsea and has been likened to Blues legend Eden Hazard.
United have also been given a boost by Paul Pogba’s return to Carrington after an ankle injury.
SOUNESS ON POGBA
Graeme Souness has criticised United midfielder Paul Pogba once again as the Frenchman is missing from squad due to injury.
Souness said: “I see him dancing at a wedding, shooting hoops and other things.
“The cynic in me says he doesn't want to play for United. How could you not want to play for Manchester United?”
Pogba has missed most of the season through a persisting ankle problem, he has only featured 8 times all season.
EYE KANDE
Manchester United are plotting a move for 16-year-old Adrian Akande, according to reports.
The wonderkid chose to snub Frank Lampard's Chelsea by not signing a scholarship last year.
United's academy have been left impressed by the youngster after a succesful trial period at the club.
The tricky, pacey Nigerian winger previosuly played for Crystal Palace last year.
His agent, former Millwall player Tobi Alabi likened him to the likes of Hazard and Barcelona's Dembele.
Alabi said: “He has no weaknesses.”
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