An early transfer blow for Manchester United has already come in the shape of Marquinhos penning a new contract at Paris Saint-Germain.

The 20-year-old Brazilian was linked with the Red Devils during January after emerging as one of the planet’s best young defenders and was seen as a potentially wise addition at Old Trafford as Louis van Gaal sets about repairing his rearguard.

Naturally the news that such a player is not available is a negative for the club, but there is no need to fear, as there are plenty more fish in the sea. So cast out your net, Louis, because any of this FIVE may be worth catching…

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Raphael Varane

A £30m swoop has been talked up, and it’s easy to see why United are rumoured to be ready to pay such a sum. Varane, simply put, is one of the very best young centre-backs on the planet, with the 21-year-old already a regular for France and Real Madrid – giants of the international and club game – showing that he must have that special something.

Very much the new breed of defender, the former Lens man is adept on the ball, quick across the turf and intelligent when reading the game.

Mats Hummels

The long-term Louis van Gaal target, Hummels looks to be back on the club’s radar. United chased the German World Cup winner throughout summer 2014 but ultimately failed to land him, yet Dortmund’s underwhelming season may leave the wider more open this time around.

Widely regarded as the best centre back around, Hummels is commanding, strong, quick and excellent with the ball at his feet. Ideal for LVG’s much used 3-4-3 system if he goes back to it.

Nicolas Otamendi

Rugged and fierce in the tackle, Otamendi is a little ‘old school’ when it comes to the art of defending, which certainly has its place despite the changing nature of the game. An uncompromising centre-back, the Argentine has been a key member of the resurgent Valencia side, who look on course to get back into the Champions League thanks, in part, to the heavy investment of new owner Peter Lim.

A release clause-triggering offer of close to £40m may be needed, but Otamendi can also play at right-back, which will come as a boost for LVG given that he’s been using Antonio Valencia in the role.

Stefan de Vrij

A player coached by Van Gaal at the World Cup last summer, De Vrij has emerged as a target for the coming transfer window of late. He opted to join Lazio at the start of the current campaign, but even though he’s been in Rome for less than 12 months, United are said to be keen.

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The 23-year-old is adept at centre-back and was a key part of Feyenoord’s impressive 2013/14 side, forming a solid partnership with Bruno Martins Indi – now at Porto.

Jose Gimenez

Even tough a more experienced head may be of use at United right now, Atletico Madrid’s rising star Gimenez is an option. The 20-year-old has forced his way into the La Liga champions’ first team this season, and his bravery alongside countryman Diego Godin has been enough to keep Joao Miranda out of Diego Simeone’s XI.

Atleti are unlikely to be open to the idea of offloading the Uruguayan, but United have the financial muscle to potentially turn their heads.

When Wayne Rooney first burst onto the scene as a fresh faced youngster with that all-mighty strike against Arsenal in 2002, Premier League fans throughout the land pretty much took note in unison – for a new hero of English football had seemingly been born.

And this time around, it wasn’t all born out of pure hype and speculation as is normally the case with young emerging English talents. The 16-year-old Wayne Rooney really was the real deal. He had just as much potential as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo would have been subject to in their younger days, and if it wasn’t for a few frustratingly timed injuries, the powerful striker really could have done the business in the Three Lions shirt as well.

Who knows how far England could have gone in Euro 2004 if Rooney wasn’t forcibly replaced by Darius Vassell in that all important quarter-final with Portugal…

Since making that faithful move to Old Trafford many moons ago though, just how well has the now 29-year-old’s career ultimately played out? Has the promising talent fulfilled the lofty expectations that were initially set upon his head as a teenager, or has Wayne Rooney in-fact greatly underachieved as a Manchester United player in the long run?

The answer – whilst certainly arriving as a somewhat cloudy one – seemingly disappoints in that all too familiar English way. Today Wayne Rooney is sadly a shadow of his former self. He may have gone on to achieve a great deal in the game, English football may indeed be left better off thanks to the striker’s contribution – but ultimately – the player himself simply could have been so much more if circumstances would have allowed.

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Within the ever testing realms of top-flight English football, Rooney’s initially incredible start at Old Trafford has only since deteriorated in recent years. The former Everton fan favourite used to be unpredictable – he was once so powerful in front of goal with his bustling approach that even the league’s very best defenders would inevitably have to move out of his way when things were going well for the striker. The impressionable young man wasn’t scared of any opportunity. He would take on shots from all over the pitch – and nine times out of ten – the results would be more than successful for his team.

Today though, Wayne Rooney is utilised by Louis van Gaal as if he has never played as an out-in-out striker before. Yes he is Manchester United’s current top goal-scorer which is a testament to the player himself – but when you consider that QPR’s Charlie Austin has proved more efficient in front of goal whilst playing for a relegation fearing side in 2014/15 – such an achievement is hardly as impressive as it sounds.

The Wazza of the modern era is seemingly played all over the pitch for reasons unbeknownst to most of the footballing community. Rooney just isn’t naturally a deeper-lying midfielder, he doesn’t operate nearly as well on the flanks either, so unless he is given his proper responsibility as a real attacking striker, the player is pretty much wasted on most occasions.

Perhaps, however, Van Gaal is just the latest in a long line of managers to fall victim to this particular trap – with such a turnaround in events originating from Sir Alex Ferguson himself. For all his perceived know-how in the Premier League era, the Scotsman may have just been the real source behind Wayne Rooney’s downfall.

During the Ferguson era at Old Trafford, the England striker was over-worked and over-run all because several of Manchester United’s other star talents, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, were sensationally sold off without being properly replaced. Wayne Rooney therefore had to make up for their loss all over the park – which has subsequently meant that his most natural position and original pace and power have simply dwindled at Manchester United as his career has played out.

It must be remembered of course that Wayne Rooney still remains a good player however, but today it just wouldn’t be right to call him a world class star any more.

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Defences simply don’t fear him in the way they previously did, too many games pass the striker by without offering a great deal for his team – and as for his later performances in an England shirt and solitary World Cup goal – Wayne Rooney just hasn’t turned out to be the player everyone was hoping he would be when he first broke onto the scene as that fresh faced 16-year-old.

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Robin van Persie has returned to training prior to Manchester United’s huge clash with local rivals Manchester City, and manager Louis van Gaal may even find room for the Dutch striker to start. But with United finally having seemed to turn the corner following comprehensive victories over Tottenham, Liverpool and Aston Villa; are they better off without the ageing Van Persie?

The 31 year old’s last outing for The Red Devils was in the 2-1 reverse away at Swansea in February. Since his ankle injury, United have won five games on the spin and catapulted themselves not only into the top four places, but on to the peripheries of the title race.

The Dutchman’s absence has meant Wayne Rooney has finally been given the forward role he so craves, in the process kick starting his most potent run of form of the campaign. Rooney is their captain and their talisman, getting the best out of him invariably leads to the side performing at a much higher level.

In Van Persie’s absence, Van Gaal has adopted a system that seems to suit his players a great deal more. Aside from Rooney’s upturn in form, Mata has enjoyed some of his best moments in a red shirt in the last few weeks – none more so than his virtuoso display against Liverpool. Would Mata have had the freedom to attack so freely had Robin been in his usual striking positions? Doubtful.

In addition to the two aforementioned players, Marouane Fellaini is finally beginning to flourish in a Manchester United shirt, after 18 months of disappointment and resentment from the Old Trafford terraces; the Belgian is finally starting to show why he commanded such a high transfer fee.

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The former Arsenal man’s injury has also meant that Ashley Young has been able to have a genuine run of games in his favoured position and for the first time since his switch from Aston Villa, he is showing glimpses of the man who was central to the national side.

Not only have United seemingly found the right balance without Van Persie and players undoubtedly performing better; his form prior to the injury was been patchy at best – only ten goals and all round performances that are no longer befitting to the once most deadly striker in the English game.

There have been a few moments this year that have shown his real quality, but the moments are becoming ever more fleeting with every passing week and injury.

At the age of 31,Van Persie should by no means be written off. A man of his talent, with the record he possesses, deserves a great deal more respect than that. But the current United side are noticeably better at this point without him. This is not to say a host of clubs wouldn’t clamber for his signature – his talents are still a rarity in the modern game; he is an uncompromising goal scorer with technique that few in the world can rival.

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At this point in Van Gaal’s United career it may serve him to be ruthless to one of his most trusted lieutenants, for the good of the team.

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According to reports from The Metro this afternoon, Liverpool have triggered the £14.2million release clause of Villarreal striker Luciano Vietto.

The young Argentine has been in fantastic form during his debut campaign for the Yellow Submarines to claim 20 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions.That includes twelve strikes in La Liga alongside a return of eight goals and four assists from his 12 Europa League outings.

Vietto also claimed the Spanish top flight’s Player of the Month award for December.

It could be his only season at Estadio El Madrigal, however, according to The Metro. Sourcing Spanish news outlet AS, they claim Liverpool have triggered the 21 year-old’s €20million buy-out fee.

It follows a campaign in which the Reds’ current striking options – Daniel Sturridge, Rickie Lambert, Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli – managed to net just eight Premier League goals between them.

Liverpool are by no means only interested party, however. The Metro also moot Arsenal and Atletico Madrid as potential suitors of the 5 foot 8 poacher.

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The transfer window has only just officially opened and free spending Manchester City have wasted no time in closing in on their first big money signing.

The Telegraph are reporting that City are ready to bid £50m for Wolfsburg’s attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. £50m for De Bruyne?! Have they lost the plot?

This news comes just days after the FFP restrictions troubling the club were lifted now that City have met all the financial targets set by UEFA.

The Belgium international impressed for Wolfsburg last season – scoring 10 goals and providing twenty assists in the Bundesliga – and has become a vital part of the side at the Volkswagen Arena since his Chelsea exit in 2014.

Any move for the player would raise a number of questions, however, and there are several important issues City need to take into account before lodging any kind of bid for the player.

Here are FOUR reasons this is a move to avoid, especially with Raheem Sterling also a £50m target.

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Premier League Failure

De Bruyne has already experienced life in the Premier League in a short lived spell at champions Chelsea. He signed for the club in for £6.8m back in 2012 from Belgian side Genk with a reputation as a top talent.

Life in English football didn’t work out all for the player, though, with the midfielder featuring only a handful of times after failing to make any kind of impact under manager Jose Mourinho.

Jose cut his losses and sold the player to Wolfsburg for £20m in 2014, hinting that he may not be suited to the English game.

Homegrown Nightmare

City are already facing a major problem this summer, and that should be the focus of attention instead of signing De Bruyne.

The club are severely lacking homegrown talent for their first-team squad next season, with just Joe Hart and defender Gael Clichy meeting the specification.

The Citizens have been heavily linked with a number of English players including Raheem Sterling, Jack Wilshere and Fabian Delph and should be concentrating their efforts on bringing in talented Englishmen to avoid any more potential penalties for rule breaching.

Silva A Cut Above

Should the player complete a move to the Etihad Stadium, he is likely to try to command a central attacking midfielder role. This is not an easy task for anyone.

David Silva has well and truly made the position his own, consistently producing incredible performances in a City shirt.

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Silva is the key man at the club and the player is involved in every attack, weighing in with plenty of goals and assists, and has developed a wonderful relationship with Sergio Aguero.

It is certain that De Bruyne would have to adapt his game to fit around the Spaniard, If he wanted to make any kind of impact at the club.

Held To Ransom

City would be crazy to pay £50m for the 24 year old Belgian. When you compare the deal to that of other players in his position you can see just how ridiculous the price is.

Eden Hazard moved to Stamford Bridge for £32m, and he is arguably the best player in the Premier League at this moment in time. There are plenty more examples all over the division, too – Juan Mata joined Manchester United for £37m and Alexis Sanchez joined Arsenal for £35m.

There is little doubt those players are all better than De Bruyne and prove it makes little sense for City to invest so much in a player that is nowhere near the highest standard.

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has hinted that Paul Pogba will eventually become the club’s captain on a permanent basis.

Michael Carrick is currently United’s skipper, but the midfielder has only made one appearance for the English giants this season, and is widely expired to retire next summer.

Antonio Valencia has held the armband in Carrick’s absence, but the full-back has missed United’s last two Premier League games with a hamstring problem.

Pogba, who is valued at £67.5m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has stepped forward to captain the team against Leicester City and Burnley, and Mourinho has suggested that the 24-year-old will ultimately settle into that role on a full-time basis.

Mourinho told reporters:

“Against Leicester we felt that it could be an extra motivation for him and that was it, there was no special decision.

“But maybe, because he’s a young guy and made in the club academy, he has the conditions to be captain in the future.”

United are currently 12 points behind Manchester City in the Premier League table after drawing their last two in the league against Leicester and Burnley.

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Mourinho’s side, who have been widely criticised in recent weeks, will finish 2017 with a home game against Southampton this weekend.

It is shaping up to be a very busy January transfer window for Everton.

Toffees boss Sam Allardyce has been extremely open with the fact that he wants to bring at least a couple of players to Goodison Park this month.

One of those currently being linked with a move to Everton is Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, who has made 16 Premier League appearances this season.

There is no doubting that Shelvey is a wonderful passer of the ball – among the best in the Premier League – but it is another question entirely whether the midfielder can be trusted.

The 25-year-old, who is valued at £9m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has already picked up a couple of red cards this season, and he is really struggling to shake the image that currently surrounds him.

A move to Merseyside could well see Shelvey thrive, but the Everton supporters are not convinced. Indeed, when the transfer rumour was brought to light, there were a large number that said ‘no thanks’ to the deal.

As Liverpool prepare for what will likely be their biggest home test of the season, a visit from the Premier League’s runaway leaders Manchester City, Jurgen Klopp will know his team selection must be perfect for Sunday’s 4pm kickoff.

Anything less than an impeccable performance from the Reds and the chances are that City will march to yet another emphatic win over a Premier League rival.

At this point in the season, most positions in Liverpool’s starting XI pick themselves, but a handful remain contentious – including right-back. In the absence of Nathaniel Clyne, England international Joe Gomez has occupied the No.2 berth on the most part this season, including last time out against Everton, but he’s faced strong competition from academy product Trent Alexander-Arnold who has made a real impression during his outings for the first team.

Gomez is the more natural defender, something that could be of huge importance against the likes of Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling, but there are two ways of looking at City’s phenomenal attacking cast and Alexander-Arnold’s more adventurous instincts would at least give them something to think about in terms of tracking back.

So, Liverpool fans, who would you start at right-back this weekend? Let us know by voting below…

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Newcastle United are keeping close tabs on Troy Deeney’s situation at Watford, according to The Sun.

What’s the word?

The Magpies have reportedly been hunting for a new attacking player to help boost the team’s goal tally.

So far, Rafael Benitez’s men have scored 22 goals in 24 Premier League matches, with Joselu top scorer on four.

The Sun claims that Watford boss Javi Garcia is keen for Deeney to stay, but Newcastle and West Bromwich Albion are circling.

So far this season, the 29-year-old has scored three goals and created two assists in 17 appearances in all competitions.

Is Deeney a good choice for Newcastle?

The North-East outfit could do with an additional attacking player up front, and the Watford man possesses something that the team is currently lacking – power.

Deeney is strong in the box, and can also provide, but his current form this season suggests that he may not hit the ground running.

Perhaps the forward is lacking focus and could do with a fresh start, but given the relegation battle that Newcastle find themselves in, they need someone who will make an instant impact.

In addition, there are doubts over whether Newcastle will have the funds to seal a permanent transfer.

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Mike Ashley’s sale of the club remains up in the air.

Robert Snodgrass was one of the many Aston Villa players who impressed in the Second City derby against Birmingham City on Sunday.

The attacking midfielder played the full 90 minutes of the Championship clash, which ended in a 2-0 win, thanks to goals from Albert Adomah and Conor Hourihane.

Snodgrass has impressed at Villa Park since joining the Midlands outfit on loan from West Ham United.

The Scotland international has started 25 league games and has come off the bench in one.

During that time, the midfielder has scored six goals and produced nine assists, helping Villa reach second in the table.

The 30-year-old’s form has raised questions about his future and whether he will return to West Ham.

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The Scotsman struggled for game time at the East London outfit, and it is uncertain whether he will get much of a chance under manager David Moyes.

From the point of view of Villa’s fanbase, the majority are keen for Snodgrass to sign a permanent deal, and they made it clear when the player sent a post-match tweet.