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Papers: Double Reds swoop?

Fergie's after the new Ronaldinho
Manchester United have made an £8million bid for Brazilian whizkid Douglas Costa, 18. Boss Alex Ferguson is desperate to snap up the “new Ronaldinho” and see off competition from Real Madrid and Barcelona. Costa is the star of Brazil’s Under-19 team and plays for Gremio. Fergie wants the deal sorted next week and is willing to let him stay in Brazil until next summer.
Staff writer, The Sun

United are also keeping tabs on Real Valladolid's 19-year-old Spanish U21 goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo, according to the Daily Mail.

Rio Ferdinand tells various newspapers that Dimitar Berbatov's arrival has helped Wayne Rooney. He says: “One of the reasons I was happy that Berbatov signed for United was that I knew it would inspire other players in the team to step up their game. Everyone wants to impress that player and show them why they are playing for United. Wazza took that on board and has gone from strength to strength."

Real Madrid are interested in taking one of United's front men to the Bernabeu, but this time it's not Cristiano Ronaldo they're after. The Sun reckons Real are "keeping a close eye on Carlos Tevez’s negotiations with United over a new deal".

The Mirror says Edwin van der Sar may stay on another year after his current contract runs out at the end of this season.

The Daily Express suggests that the League Manager's Association wants a winter break in the Premier League.

Manchester United Official Web Site - NEWS AND FEATURES: Papers: Double Reds swoop?