United Target Andre Ayew “Delighted” & “Speechless” At Interest #manutd #mufc + Video

While some players feel transfer rumours are an irritating distraction which can damage their on-field performances, Andre Ayew, the Marseille winger/striker has told of how "fantastic" it is to see his name linked to big clubs in newspapers. Manchester United and Barcelona - the two 2011 Champions League finalists have been said to be following the 21 year-old, and the Ghanian did not attempt to hide his amazement:

"It is fantastic to hear these stories, even if it's just through newspapers."

"I am delighted to be linked with two powerhouses of world football. It means I have improved.

"I have not got a favourite, I am just speechless!"

"It would be a dream to join one of them, but I am living the dream here with Marseille as well and also looking forward to a strong finish to the season."

After an impressive World Cup for Ghana, Ayew has had a very good season with his club, Marseille, scoring 10 goals and assisting 2 in the French Ligue 1. He was unable to grab a goal against Manchester United however, when he played against them for Marseille in this years Champions League, with a Javier Hernandez double sealing a United victory in that tie.

Despite his understandable enthusiasm to being linked with two of the best teams in Europe, he was obliged to emphasise his love of playing where he is now, at Marseille, describing it as a "dream":

"Do not forget last season, I was playing at Arles Avignon in the second division."

"The World Cup has made me realise my potential. It is a dream to play for Marseille and I love every minute of it."

Manchester United are not said to have made a move for the player, but Barcelona are reported to be preparing an £8 million bid for the versatile winger. Below you can see some highlights of Andre Ayew:

Video: Best Moments Of Ayew with Ghana

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgADHrXeQ94&feature=player_embedded

United Chiefs Attempt To Thrash Out Deal For £12m Keeper #mufc #manutd

The Sun reports that United chiefs will fly to Lisbon this weekend in order to finalise a deal for Rui Patricio. United are desperate to land a replacement keeper for the retiring Edwin van der Sar and have been linked with a variety of keepers across Europe.

But with a deal for their 1st choice keeper Atletico's David De Gea stumbling, United have turned their attention to Sporting Lisbon No1, Patricio.

The 23-year old has made 167 appearance for his club and has a £12million valuation, which is significantly more than what United are prepared to pay, who have already had a £7milllion bid rejected

Ancelotti - Rooney over Messi #mufc #manutd

Chelsea boss prefers English star to Argentine ace

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he would rather have Wayne Rooney than Lionel Messi.

The Barcelona star is widely regarded as the best player in the world, but Ancelotti has a different opinion.

The Blues chief, though, feels Rooney offers more to a team and he would take the Manchester United forward if offeredthe choice.

"Everyone goes for Messi but I would take Rooney"
Carlo Ancelotti

"Everyone goes for Messi but I would take Rooney," he told theDaily Mail.

"Messi is out of this world and maybe he is reaching the level of Maradona.

"Rooney, however, is closer to the reality of football. He puts his talent out to the rest of the team and this explains the difference between players and outstanding players."

Ancelotti comes up against Rooney on Sunday as Chelsea face United at Old Trafford and he insists he will not be man-marking the England star.

"We want to play our football, not just control their skills and ability. Rooney is the key player for United, and the last time against us Ryan Giggs was the best player. He passed three balls and they scored three goals," he added.

Udinese want at least £26m for Man Utd Target Alexis Sanchez #manutd #mufc

Alexis Sanchez - Udinese

The Chilean attacker has three further years on his contract and the club's owner warns potential bidders that he will not be bullied into a sale below the player's market value

Udinese will demand upwards of €30 million (£26.2m) for their star attacker Alexis Sanchez this summer.

The 22-year-old Chilean is on the radar of Europe's top clubs with Inter, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all interested. However, as one of the world's most promising talents, he will not be sold below his market valuation.

A Udinese source said, "[Club owner] Giampaolo Pozzo will not make any discounts on him. The valuation is fixed at €30 million and that's what it will take to land him."

Udinese rejected a bid from Inter in the January transfer window and their valuation of the player could limit offers over the summer.

"To be honest, I cannot see [Manchester] City or [Manchester] United as ready to spend such an amount. Chelsea are also there, but I think Udinese's demands will be difficult to meet," the source continued. 

"Also, Sanchez has a long contract there and he is young. The feeling is he will stay in Italy for at least another season."

Sanchez, under contract at Stadio Friuli until June 2014, is expected to make his return from injury in Sunday's home fixture against Lazio - a game which could see Francesco Guidolin's side move into fourth place. 

Should they remain in the Champions League places, Udinese are optimistic of keeping hold of their most valuable asset. 

The source concluded, "Pozzo has always said if Udinese make the Champions League then Sanchez will not move."

Sir Alex hails referee Howard Webb - but still fears poor decision

Sir Alex Ferguson admits Howard Webb is the best referee in England, but is still concerned about his side finding themselves on the wrong end of a major decision this weekend.

Ferguson received a five-match ban for his attack on Martin Atkinson over his handling of the first Premier League game between United and Chelsea in March.

In a game which the United boss felt triggered Chelsea's impressive recent form, Atkinson did not spot a foul by David Luiz that should have brought the Brazilian's dismissal, then awarded the Blues a debatable penalty for Chris Smalling's foul on Yury Zhirkov.

It forms part of what Ferguson feels is a catalogue of key calls that have gone against his team, even though there are a number of examples of United benefiting.

One such occurrence came in January, when Liverpool's Ryan Babel posted a mocked-up picture of Webb on Twitter after an FA Cup third round tie at Old Trafford when the World Cup final referee awarded United a penalty and sent off Steven Gerrard.

"We are getting the best referee, there is no doubt about that," Ferguson said. "But (getting a bad decision) is definitely our big fear.

"We have the players to do it all right. We just hope it's our turn for a little bit of luck."

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti: I would Pick Rooney Over Messi

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has today claimed that if he had the choice, he would prefer to have Wayne Rooney in his team than Lionel Messi.

For whatever reason, the Italians seem to be massive admirers of our striker, with the 2009 Champions League final billed as the 'best player in the world vs most complete player'.

"Everyone goes for Messi but I would take Rooney," he said. "Messi is out of this world and maybe he is reaching the level of Maradona. Rooney, however, is closer to the reality of football. He puts his talent out to the rest of the team and this explains the difference between players and outstanding players."

Looking ahead to the game on Sunday, Ancelotti told the press he wouldn't be man marking Rooney and would have to pay attention to Ryan Giggs.

"We want to play our football, not just control their skills and ability," he added. "Rooney is the key player for United, and the last time against us Ryan Giggs was the best player. He passed three balls and they scored three goals."

Video: Man Utd vs Chelsea - The Last Battle [HD]