Manchester United transfer news: Ghana striker in Old Trafford plea, Leicester 'join race' to sign Jamaican wonderkid

The latest transfer rumours from Old Trafford on Friday 23 December

Samuel Tetteh has publicly stated his desire to join United (Getty)

Another day, another round of rumours to whet those Manchester United appetites.

First up today, Samuel Tetteh. The Ghana international, who is currently on loan at Austrian club Liefering, has publicly revealed his desire to play for United in a gushing display of admiration for the Premier League side.

The 20-year-old said: "It has always been my dream to play in England, I am a Manchester United fan.

"I don’t really love any team like Manchester United and I will like to play for them.

"I like everything about the club, playing for them will be one of my biggest achievement.

"But I will also grab an opportunity to play for any of the big clubs in Europe."

Strong words from the youngster – but will it be enough to convince manager Jose Mourinho think? Probably not. With the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Victor Lindelof and others on the club’s radar, it might be a while before Tetteh is considered.

Meanwhile, United face fresh competition to land Jamaican wonderkid Leon Bailey.

According to the Mirror, the Manchester side have been keeping tabs on the 19-year-old since summer but after scoring eight goals and nine assists for Genk, the youngster has now caught the eye of Premier League champions Leicester.

Genk technical director Dimitri de Conde admitted he will not block any ‘mega bids’ for Bailey or Wilfred Ndidi - another Leicester target.

"We'll fight to keep them here until the end of this season, but that is no easy task,” De Conde told HLN.

“If mega bids, by Belgian standards, are made, then we cannot reject it, and if the boys also feel ready for a step up then it will be very difficult to keep them in Genk. I must be ready with alternatives.”

Lastly, Stoke City could scupper Aston Villa’s attempts to sign Sam Johnstone after making their own enquiries for the United goalkeeper.

Manager Mark Hughes wants a new 'keeper with Jack Butland out for another three months following further ankle surgery.

Villa have also held talks with United about Johnson, reports the Daily Mail, but the prospect of joining Stoke would enable the 23-year-old to further hone his trade within the context of the Premier League.