Arsenal transfer news: Arsene Wenger 'plotting fourth swoop' for Manchester United's Michael Carrick

The Frenchman is a keen admirer of the former Tottenham midfielder but has failed to sign him on three occasions

Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick appear dejected after conceding a goal to Norwich (Getty Images)

Arsene Wenger is reportedly plotting a fourth attempt to lure Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick to Arsenal.

The Frenchman is a keen admirer of the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder but has failed on three previous occasions to secure his services. With Carrick expected to leave Old Trafford on a free transfer this summer, the Daily Mirror report that Wenger is optimistic he will finally ensnare the 34-year-old.

Southampton’s Victor Wanyama, valued in the region of £25m by the South Coast club, remains the Gunners’ primary midfield target, with Mathieu Flamini, Mikel Arteta and Tomas Rosicky expected to leave imminently, but Carrick’s availability is said to be tempting for Wenger.

Arsenal first tried to sign the England international more than ten years ago from West Ham United before north London rivals Spurs swooped in at the last minute. United then came calling, muscling Wenger of out any deal in 2006, before Carrick signed a one-year contract extension last year.

The former Hammers star is likely to attract interest from across Europe with Paris Saint-Germain known to have been keen as recently as August. Following in former England team-mates David Beckham and Steven Gerrard’s footsteps to Major League Soccer also remains a possibility.

Meanwhile, United face being asked to compensate Derby County after 300 seats were allegedly damaged by visiting supporters during the FA Cup clash last month.

The Championship club discovered the damage in the away end at the iPro Stadium, formerly called Pride Park, the morning after their 3-1 defeat by Louis van Gaal’s side.

Derby have reportedly informed United about up to 300 seats which were vandalised and will request that the relevant repairs are paid for by their visitors on 29 January.

It is believed to have played a role in Shrewsbury Town’s decision not to finance an extra 500 seats to be installed at New Meadow ahead of their fifth round meeting with the Red Devils later this month.