Manchester United transfer target Sean Longstaff is stalling on contract talks with Newcastle United as a result of the interest being shown in him - according to reports.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to sign a new midfielder after allowing Ander Herrera to join Paris-Saint Germain on a free transfer over the summer without a replacement.
MEN Sport understand United were interested in Longstaff over the summer but baulked at the Magpies' £50million valuation of the youngster.
The Daily Mail claim Newcastle are eager to see their prized asset sign a new contract at the club but report talks are 'at an impasse' with United still monitoring his situation.
Should the Tyneside club fail to agree new terms, Longstaff could yet move to Old Trafford.
Elsewhere, reports in Italy suggest that Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has rejected a move to United.
The 31-year-old has slipped down the pecking order following the arrival of Frenkie De Jong and is believed to be angling for an exit.
The Daily Mirror cited by Calciomercato claim United were interested in the Croatia international but the midfielder has rejected their advances.
MEN Sport understand Solskjaer would prefer to target younger, homegrown midfield talents.
Finally, reports in Turkey suggest United are preparing to add another defender to their squad.
Fotospor report that the Reds are interested in signing Juventus centre-back Merih Demiral ahead of the January transfer window.
They claim United are still in the market for a defender despite signing Harry Maguire in the summer and believe Demiral is awaiting an offer to move to England.
