Papers: Reds eye Barca star

Now Sir Alex seeks Barca starlet
Sir Alex Ferguson is targeting Barcelona's Giovani Dos Santos. The United boss, who has already signed Portuguese star Nani and Brazilian Anderson, is also looking to bring in 18-year-old Mexican Dos Santos. Barca are looking to tie him to a longer contract which would increase his £20m buy-out clause. But reports in the Daily Mirror suggest that Dos Santos' performances have attracted interest across Europe and he has switched agents to Jorge Mendes who also looks after Chelsea boss Jose Mouirino and has already dealt with United before. Barcelona sporting director Tixiki Berguristain said: "It's normal for a player of his talent to receive interest from other clubs. But I'm calm and confident he will sign a new contract here."
Daily Mail

Elsewhere, the press go to town on a number of topics Sir Alex spoke about at a question and answer session in Glasgow on Tuesday, Jaap Stam's sale being one. In The Mirror the manager says he was wrong to sell the Dutchman in 2001. "In playing terms, it was a mistake because he's still playing for Ajax at a good level. But £16.5m for a centre-back who was 29… it was an offer I couldn't refuse." The manager is also quoted as saying David Beckham was "never the same" after his marriage to Victoria Adams.

Moving to matters on the pitch, and it seems bad news for Owen Hargreaves, who could miss England's Euro 2008 qualifier with Israel on Saturday after suffering a thigh strain during training.

Brazil legend Rivaldo says Reds starlet Anderson needs time to develop his precocious ability. Says the former World Player of the Year: "He's a huge talent, but you need to be patient. He's young and has the qualities to be a great player, but his development should be controlled, with everything done calmly."