Manchester United news and transfer gossip: Cristiano Ronaldo lined up for shock Barcelona swoop?

Here's all the latest United stories from today's Daily Mirror...


Crocked stopper
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea dislocated a finger in his right hand, Spanish officials have confirmed.

The stopper has been in fine form at Old Trafford this season and looked set to feature in Spain's Euro 2016 qualifier with Belarus tonight.

However, he is almost certain to miss than one with doctors set to make a decision on whether he should be sent back to Manchester.

A statement on www.sefutbol.com read: "Spain's goalkeeper David de Gea was sidelined from training session after dislocating the little finger on his right hand

It is another injury worry for United, who currently have a number of defenders sat on the sidelines. Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones are part of an ever-growing injury list.

Read more on that one here.

Rooney opens up
Wayne Rooney will join an elite band of England greats at Wembley on Saturday evening, but admits he wanted to quit football before his career even started.

Rooney has revealed his dad and former Everton boss Colin Harvey talked him out of giving up when he had "fallen out of love" with the game when he was 14.

England captain Rooney, 29, who will be given a special golden 100th cap before the Euro 2016 qualifier with Slovenia, admits he has no idea where he would be now if he had given up.

Rooney said: "I think for me, Colin Harvey was a massive help because when I was about 14 I really stopped enjoying playing football.

"Around about that age, you start getting told what different things to do on the pitch, you're learning the tactics of the game. I felt at that moment that I just wanted to go and enjoy it.

Read more on that story here

GettyWayne Rooney poses with a shirt to celebrate him winning his 100th international capStill standing: Rooney is set for his 100th cap on Saturday
Patience pays off
Nathaniel Clyne's decision to snub United and Sir Alex Ferguson has paid off, writes our man John Cross.

The 23-year-old, set for his full England debut against Slovenia today, turned down the chance to go to Old Trafford two years ago in favour of getting more regular football at Southampton.

Ferguson detailed former United chief executive David Gill to go and sign Clyne from Crystal Palace as he was already gaining a reputation as one of the country’s best young right-backs.

"My club are doing ever so well, which means everyone’s looking at us. I’ve been playing pretty well too, which means I’ve been given a chance to play for my country," said the Southampton man.

Saturday's Manchester United stories from other newspapers and websites
Ronaldo rivalry
Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly a shock target for Barcelona.

The Portuguese has been linked with an emotional return to Old Trafford in recent times but recently pledged his future to the Champions League holders.

Nevertheless, AS cite a story from El Larguero that suggests Barca are keen on snapping him up this summer.

It is claimed their presidential candidate Joan Laporta met with Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes yesterday.

Given the fierce Clasico rivalry between the clubs, a move to the Nou Camp would appear unlikely.

No return for Nani
The Manchester Evening News reports Nani will not be returning to Old Trafford in January.

The Portuguese moved to Sporting Lisbon on a season-long loan as part of the deal to bring Marcos Rojo to the club.

However, it had been suggested Louis van Gaal was exploring the possibility of cutting the switch short and entering him back into his first-team squad.

United, who are paying Nani's wages in Lisbon, didn't enter a recall clause into the agreement and must wait until the end of the season to make a decision.

The winger will be back at Old Trafford on Tuesday though when Portugal take on Holland.

GettyNani celebrates his goal in a 4-2 win for Sporting Lisbon over SchalkeLoan ranger: Nani celebrates scoring for Lisbon

Brazilian starlet monitored
The Mail reports United are keeping tabs on young Brazilian striker Douglas Coutinho.

The 20-year-old has scored seven times in 25 appearances for Atletico Paranaense, alerting the likes of Monaco and Atletico Madrid.

United have reportedly sent scouts to watch Coutinho in action, with his price tag is currently set at £7.5million.

His representative is quoted as saying: "I had a query about interest and Manchester United. Obviously if they want to buy, the interest to sell is there. I go to see if it’s official."

Reid between the lines  
United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of West Ham's Winston Reid.

The New Zealander is out of contract at the end of the season and Hammers chiefs would rather sell him than let him go on a free.                      

Earlier this month, co-owner David Sullivan revealed the club had made a huge offer to keep Reid at Upton Park - although a lot would depend on their finishing position, with the 26-year-old eager to play European football.                                              

According to the Times, West Ham will offload the defender if he doesn't sign a new deal by mid-January with Arsenal also interested.                

United are in need of defensive reinforcements having seen their backline savaged by injury this season.