United after Alba
There was more than just three points at stake in last night’s Champions League clash between Juventus and Manchester United.
The European rivals are also going head-to-head for the services of Barcelona defender Jordi Alba, the Daily Express reports.
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The Red Devils are reported to “have initiated talks” with the 29-year-old left-back, with Spanish media claiming that contact has been made with Alba’s representatives.
Alba has 18 months remaining on his contract and Barcelona are yet to offer the Spanish international a new deal, prompting speculation that there could be a parting of the ways.
The Express claims that United chiefs have informed Alba’s agent, Vicente Fores, “that they would like to secure his signature because Jose Mourinho is dissatisfied with his options at left-back”.
Juventus are also tailing Alba, however, and are ready to match any bid tabled by United.
Inter demand mammoth fee
United have been handed what the Daily Star describes as “a major setback in the hunt for defender Milan Skriniar”. Why? Because the Inter Milan centre-half has been slapped with an eye-watering £100m price tag.
Inter manager Luciano Spalletti is well aware of the interest in his 23-year-old Slovakian defender, hence the “mammoth transfer fee”.
Skriniar - who featured for Inter in their 1-1 draw in the Champions League with Barcelona on Tuesday - has also attracted interest from Real Madrid, but the Spanish side and United are both likely to baulk at such an asking price.
Mata on the move
Juan Mata is waiting for Valencia to “call him in January” about a move back in the summer.
According to the Daily Mirror, the 30-year-old midfielder, who scored one of United’s goals in their stunning 2-1 win against Juventus, is ready to leave Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Although there have been talks between United and the Spaniard, the Mirror says that there has not been any kind of breakthrough in negotiations over a new deal, leaving Mata open to offers.
Arsenal were linked to Mata at one stage, but according to the Daily Star, “is holding out for a move back to Spain with his former club Valencia”.