'Yorke poised for move to Sunderland'

Press Watch

The Argentinian defender Roberto Ayala claims he has a £50,000-a-week offer to join Manchester United, according to the News of the World.

The Valencia player is said to be "very interested in joining them" after a promise of improved terms from Valencia came to nothing. However, the report says the offer was made last summer, when United had a £10m bid turned down by Valencia, who wanted £14m.

"Valencia would not let me leave but I am told the offer still stands," Ayala is quoted as saying.

The Sunday Mirror says United have offered Dwight Yorke to Sunderland for a cut-price £6m following the arrival of Diego Forlan and reports a claim by Valencia that United are interested in their midfielder, Miguel Angel Angulo. The Express also believes Sunderland are poised to pip Middlesbrough for the signature of Yorke and reckons the sale of Paolo di Canio from West Ham to United will be completed at £3m this week.

While the Mirror quotes Juan Sebastian Veron as insisting he will stay at Old Trafford, the People reports that Barcelona have stepped in with a £32m offer.

The Mail on Sunday says Liverpool have held secret talks aimed at bringing the Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert to Anfield for £20m in the summer. The News of the World says Barcelona's £15m-rated midfielder Gerald Lopez now tops Arsenal's wanted list.

While the Mirror reckons Liverpool will not meet West Ham's £10m valuation for Trevor Sinclair, the People says Liverpool have made Rangers' Barry Ferguson their top target as replacement for Gary McAllister, who is unlikely to be given an extended deal. Leeds are also said to be in the hunt for Ferguson but would prefer Sunderland's Gavin McCann.

In the meantime, according to the Mail on Sunday, Leeds want the Argentine midfielder Matias Almeyda on loan from Parma for the rest of the season.

Charlton Athletic, linked by the Mirror with Bristol Rovers' giant-killing striker Nathan Ellington, are said by the News of the World to be looking at Portugal's former Benfica, Internazionale and Juventus midfielder Paulo Sousa, who recently quit Panathinaikos.

Derby's hopes of landing West Brom's Gary Megson or Preston's David Moyes to succeed Colin Todd as manager are not likely to succeed, according to the People, who mention Joe Royle and Bruce Rioch among 50 reported applicants.

DIFFERENCES OF OPINION

SUNDAY EXPRESS

The Leeds United manager David O'Leary has warned sinning stars such as Alan Smith and Danny Mills, (left) that he will sell any player who doesn't toe the line.

NEWS OF THE WORLD

David O'Leary, branded as daft for sticking by the troubled striker Alan Smith, has vowed he will never sell him.

SUNDAY PEOPLE

Liverpool believe they will land Alan Smith as replacement for Robbie Fowler.