Press watch: Van der Vaart heads United's list as Ferguson plans spending spree

Having stood and watched while Chelsea splashed the cash, Manchester United are about to launch their own spending spree, according to the People. United have apparently drawn up a list of targets for defensive, midfield and attacking positions with the intention of strengthening Sir Alex Ferguson's squad substantially to repel the Chelsea challenge.

A top midfield target is the 20-year-old Ajax prospect Rafael van der Vaart, rated at £15m, with Kieron Dyer next on the list followed by Joaquin Sanchez of Real Betis.

Porto's Brazilian-born forward Deco, valued at £18m, is Ferguson's top priority striker, with Jermain Defoe, who West Ham would sell for £12m, as second in line, although the News of the World suggests United are preparing a bid of just £7.5m for Defoe. In defence, United want the Ajax right-back Hatem Trabelsi and Barcelona's Carles Puyol.

The News of the World believes Ferguson is still determined to sign Brazil midfielder Kleberson from Atletico Paranaense despite United's initial application for a work permit being turned down.

Liverpool are also tipped to spend more, with a £7m offer for Valencia defender Roberto Ayala reported by the People, which says the manager, Gérard Houllier, has a secret agreement with the Auxerre coach, Guy Roux, that gives him first refusal on striker Djibril Cissé but he has to come up with £15m by today or the deal expires.

Middlesbrough's interest in Sunderland's Kevin Phillips remains active, according to the Mirror, which says manager Steve McClaren will go up to £2.75m for the striker, who turned down Southampton because of the scale of pay cut he would have to take.

Boro also want the Fulham midfielder Sean Davis. The People says Fulham turned down Everton's offer of £3.5m plus players Niclas Alexandersson and Lee Carsley because they wanted a straight cash deal.

The News of the World says Everton and Charlton expressed interest in West Bromwich striker Jason Roberts.

Premiership newcomers Portsmouth are linked by the Mirror with Newcastle centre-half Nikos Dabizas at £750,000, while the Mail reckons manager Harry Redknapp is prepared to offer terms to Derby reject Georgi Kinkladze, who has been training with Pompey.

Paolo di Canio could resurface in the Premiership with Charlton, who according to the News of the World have confirmed their interest in the Italian striker, while the Mirror says Blackburn are keen on Aston Villa striker Darius Vassell after giving up on Arsenal's Francis Jeffers.