Man Utd in talks with Guardiola about England move

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is wanted by Chelsea - and several other Premier League clubs.

El Mundo Deportivo says he has been visited by Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo with a view to taking over at Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Manchester City and Liverpool have also been linked with him, while Sir Alex Ferguson’s brother Martin, who regularly scouts in Spain, is said to have met the former midfielder with a view to eventually taking over at Manchester United.

Barcelona hope Guardiola will decide to stay, but have already begun to consider possible successors.

Man Utd told £30M for Athletic Bilbao whiz Muniain

Athletic Bilbao are demanding huge money for Manchester United target Iker Muniain.

The Mirror says Sir Alex Ferguson is one of a number of the Spanish international's admirers, but his agent has revealed Bilbao won't let one of their prized assets leave on the cheap.

"Athletic do not want to sell," said Jesus Medina.

"Whoever wants him must pay his buyout clause at €36million (£29.5million)."

Man Utd keeping tabs on Pique's deteriorating situation at Barcelona

Sir Alex Ferguson is keeping tabs on Gerard Pique's situation at Barcelona.

The former United defender has fallen out with coach Pep Guardiola and has been dropped for games against Real Madrid and Chelsea in the past week.

Ferguson has always regarded Pique highly and admits he regrets having to sell the then youngster with his path to the first team blocked.

Now, with Rio Ferdinand entering his veteran years, Ferguson could move to bring Pique back to Old Trafford, where he still has many friends - including star striker Wayne Rooney.

Manchester United weigh up £15m move for Spain left-back Alba

Manchester United are weighing up a £15million swoop for Valencia left-back Jordi Alba. 

The Premier League champions are scouting a long-term replacement for Patrice Evra even though there is no suggestion that they could be ready to listen to offers for the Frenchman.

Alba has come to the attention of United since establishing himself in the Valencia team and becoming a full Spain international last September.

Goal.com understands that Sir Alex Ferguson has instructed his scouts to take a closer look at Alba after the initial reports on the 23-year-old earlier this year were said to be extremely encouraging.

Rivals Manchester City are also closely monitoring the defender and their scouts paid particular attention to him during the January window.

However, as revealed by Goal.com earlier this month, it is believed that City’s top left-back target to replace Alexsandar Kolarov is Lille teenager Lucas Digne, who could be available for £7m this summer.

Alba was released by Barcelona aged 16 but he has flourished at Valencia, who are third in Spain’s Primera Liga and who he joined from Catalan club Cornella.

He was called up to the Spain squad for last two Euro 2012 qualifiers against Scotland and Czech Republic last autumn and started the 1-0 friendly defeat to England at Wembley back in November.

Valencia’s well-documented financial problems mean that the Spanish club could be ready to negotiate the sale of one of their prize assets. United sources believe a deal could be agreed for around the £15m mark.

Athletic Bilbao midfielder Oscar de Marcos set to attract Man Utd bid

Athletic Bilbao midfielder Oscar de Marcos is wanted by Manchester United.

The Mirror says the 22-year-old Spaniard impressed Sir Alex Ferguson as the Basque side knocked United of the Europa League last month, and he sees the playmaker as a potential long-term replacement for Paul Scholes.

Ferguson is keen to bolster his options in midfield given the struggles United had before Scholes' return earlier in the season, but they will have to meet the buy-out clause written into De Marcos' contract if they wish to prize him away from the San Mames.