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Paper round-up: To the Victor belong the spoils

Posted by ESPN Staff

Victor Wanyama heads Celtic into a shock lead against BarcelonaGettyImagesWhere has the Victor Wanyama who put Celtic in the lead against Barca gone?

The eagle-eyed among you might have noticed Manchester United haven't been quite as miserly in defence as they might like, and it appears Sir Alex Ferguson has noticed too.

The Daily Mail is reporting that Celtic's defensive midfielder Victor Wanyama could be the man to tighten things up after a stellar season at Parkhead. Martin Ferguson, United's chief European scout, was present as Wanyama netted the opener during Celtic's shock victory over Barcelona this week, and the paper now expects Sir Alex to offer £12 million for the Kenyan.

The paper also thinks United could put in a bid for Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross, who left Old Trafford for £1 million four years ago, but Tony Pulis plans to offer the centre-back a six-year deal.

Burnley striker Charlie Austin is, the Daily Mail reports, the subject of interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton, Reading and Aston Villa. The paper adds: "The 23-year-old may not have the technique to suit some of the top sides but his finishing ability is in great demand and Burnley would be susceptible to offers on a player they signed for just £1.5million last year."

Arsenal could raise the funds for the swoop by flogging Bacary Sagna. The Daily Mirror says Inter Milan are interested in the right-back.

Sagna has 18 months still to run on his contract but the Italian club believes they will be able to lure him to the San Siro, with Sagna recently voicing his frustrations regarding Arsenal selling their best players. Carl Jenkinson's impressive start to the season could push Wenger to listen to offers, apparently, but the club will reportedly try to agree to a new deal with the defender.

The Sun reports that Tottenham and Newcastle have joined Manchester United in the race to sign England Under-21 starlet Thomas Ince. The 20-year-old left Liverpool - where his father, Paul, had played - last year when his contract expired, but his Blackpool deal is up in the summer and he wants a return to the Premier League, apparently.

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