Papers: New deal for Nani?
Phil Thomas in The Sun writes..Nani's new deal to ward off Italy interestNani is to be given a mega pay-rise by Manchester United to see off interest from Italy. United plan to move the Portuguese winger, already on £90,000 a week, up to the next tier of their pay-scale alongside the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand on a reported £130,000 a week. Both Milan clubs and Juventus are showing interest in a summer raid. But United top brass have pencilled in talks with Nani's representatives for early in the New Year, when the 24-year-old has 18 months left on his contract. Boss Sir Alex Ferguson will resist any attempts to cash in on the £30million- rated star, who he signed from Sporting Lisbon for £18.5m in 2007. That is likely to mean an improved four-year deal. The Old Trafford chief is convinced Nani can develop along the same lines as Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Daily Mirror believe United and Liverpool face competition from Real Madrid and AC Milan in a race to sign Sao Paolo youngster Lucas.
The Hull Daily Mail report Nick Barmby's elevation to caretaker manager of Hull City, indicating that a move to appoint United Reserves boss Warren Joyce as Nigel Pearson's successor fell through. It is claimed that Joyce decided to remain at Old Trafford instead.