James Wilson latest: Manchester United striker continuing to attract interest, Derby County keen on striker

Striker will be allowed to leave on loan, despite lack of options at Old Trafford

Sunday 13 September 2015 12:09 BST

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Derby head coach Paul Clement has confirmed he has enquired about Manchester United striker James Wilson.

Despite selling Javier Hernandez to Bayer Leverkusen and allowing Adnan Januzaj to join Borussia Dortmund on loan, United look likely to allow Wilson - one of only four recognised forwards at Old Trafford - to leave on loan.

The £36million purchase of teenager Anthony Martial from Monaco appears to be a factor in the decision.

It has been reported that more than 20 clubs have enquired about the 19-year-old, who has yet to feature this season for Louis van Gaal's team, and Clement has revealed the Rams are one of those.

"It is a possibility but not a certainty," said Clement.

"We have shown an interest. He is a very talented player and a number of other clubs have shown an interest as well.

"We are waiting to hear back from Manchester United."

Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI

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1/11Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI

Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI

GK: David De Gea

He hasn't even played this season, but De Gea goes straight into our side ahead of United team-mate Sergio Romero and Liverpool's Simon Mignolet. With the transfer window closed and his proposed move to Real Madrid over for now, Van Gaal is expected to bring the Spain international back into the fold and there's no question he's the best goalkeeper of the lot.

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Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI

RB: Matteo Darmian

Arguably the toughest dilemma of the lot comes at right-back, with Darmian and Nathaniel Clyne both impressing so far this term. The nod goes to the United defender by a whisker based on how quickly the Italian has managed to resolve what has been a problem position for United for some time.

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Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI

CB: Chris Smalling

For all the speculation over Manchester United signing a centre-back during the summer, Smalling has shown that the need for reinforcements isn't as great as some feared. The England international has been consistent and appears to be growing in confidence all the time. It means there's no place for Dejan Lovren, who in contrast appears to be regressing from the player Liverpool spent £20m to sign.

Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI

CB: Martin Skrtel

Thankfully for Liverpool, Skrtel has looked good this term, and beats Daley Blind to the other centre-back berth. United's Dutch midfielder/defender/full-back is still new to the central position.

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Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI

LB: Luke Shaw

Joe Gomez has made an unexpectedly impressive start to his Anfield career, with the 18-year-old playing in every game since joining from Charlton. But Shaw has begun to show why Manchester United were willing to take such a huge gamble on a teenager, being solid defensively and a threat going forward.

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Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI

M: Juan Mata

The Spanish play-maker has started every match, chipped in with a goal and got himself an assist. A solid start. His presence means there is no place for Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who has only managed to feature twice this term.

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Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI

M: Bastian Schweinsteiger

The World Cup winner is beginning to show why, despite concerns over his fitness, he's been among the best midfielders in Europe over recent years. With Michael Carrick injured, he'll be wanting to impress during a potential run in the starting line-up. He beats Adam Lallana to a place, with the Liverpool midfielder also only starting two games so far this term.

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Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI

M: Morgan Schneiderlin

The former Southampton player has impressed in the centre of the park with his passing and ability to disrupt the opposition. James Milner, one of only two Liverpool midfielders to start every match this term is yet to set the world alight following his free transfer from Manchester City.

Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI

M: Memphis Depay

The young Netherlands international looks to be showing more ability and growing in confidence with each match and his recent European double offered a glimpse of the big future the summer signing could have at Old Trafford. It means there is no place for Roberto Firmino, one of Liverpool's big summer signings.

Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI

ST: Wayne Rooney

Rooney is still to score in four Premier League games, but his two-in-two for England and hat-trick in Europe indicates the striker is hitting form. However, he only makes it into the side because Coutinho, who has been Liverpool's best player so far this season, is suspended for Saturday's game.

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Manchester United vs Liverpool combined XI

ST: Christian Benteke

Joining Rooney in attack is Benteke. With just the one goal to his name the former Aston Villa player hasn't exactly been prolific, but he has been causing opposing defences a headache, particularly in the 0-0 draw with Arsenal. With Daniel Sturridge still out, Benteke will hope to begin writing himself into Anfield folklore with a goal at Old Trafford.

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Former Chelsea, PSG and Real Madrid coach Clement became the second Sky Bet Championship boss on Thursday to publicly confirm his interest in Wilson, after Bolton's Neil Lennon did likewise.

MK Dons and Wolves are also understood to be among the whole host of clubs monitoring the situation.

Wilson has been frustrated by a lack of opportunities in the past year despite making a breakthrough under caretaker Ryan Giggs towards the end of the 2013-14 season. A series of niggling injuries have also stunted his progress.

He has played just 17 minutes of first-team football since February and United recognise he needs more competitive games to develop.

Wilson came off the bench to score the winning goal for the England Under-21 team against USA U23s in their 1-0 friendly victory at Deepdale on Thursday.

PA

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