Transfer Rumours: Ryan Shawcross linked with Manchester United return

Ryan Shawcross has been linked with an Old Trafford return

Some of the usual names are being linked with Old Trafford today, Ron Vlaar, Mayts Hummels, Ryan Shawcross...wait a minute, Ryan Shawcross? Alex Johnson rounds up all the media gossip.

Manchester United will have to fork out as much as 12m to land Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar, according to the Daily Express.

United have endured a host of injury problems at the back this season, which has been their undoing so far, considering all the attacking options they have at Old Trafford.

Manager Louis van Gaal is keen to bolster his defensive options in January and fellow Dutchman Vlaar appears to be one of the players at the top of his wish list. Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels is also a potential signing for the Red Devils but is looks like Vlaar will be a cheaper and more achievable transfer target.

United are also said to be interested in Ryan Shawcross, who began his career at Old Trafford before moving to Stoke in 2008. The English centre-half has thrived at the Potters and the Daily Star claim he could now be set for a return to United in January.

The Daily Mirror is reporting Lukas Podolski is not happy with his current squad status in north London and will look to move on to pastures new in January. The Germany international has been used sparingly by manager Arsene Wenger and it appears the Polish-born striker's patience is wearing thin.

Wenger has insisted Podolski is still an important part of his plans going forward but with Juventus, Napoli and Inter Milan believed to be interested in his services, it might be hard to keep the player at the Emirates going into February.

Meanwhile The Sun suggests Newcastle United are set for a battle with Championship outfit Nottingham Forest regarding Jamaal Lascelles' loan deal at the City Ground. The Magpies find themselves short of options in defence and want to cut short the defender's one-year loan deal with Forest and bring him back to St James' Park.

Moving to news north of the border, and Celtic look like they have a battle on their hands to keep hold of defender Virgil van Dijk and midfielder Kris Commons, according to the Daily Record.

The Hoops have made a sluggish start to the season under Norwegian manager Ronny Deila and Arsenal are thought to be interested in Van Dijk, while former Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been linked with bringing Commons to the Macron Stadium.

News from the continent finally and reports in Spain suggest Barcelona veteran Xavi will not be leaving the Camp Nou for the MLS in the January window. New York City have been strongly linked with the playmaker as they look to add Xavi's name to those of David Villa and Frank Lampard at the franchise. However, Xavi's agent Ivan Corretja has all but ruled out a move early next year, as the player still feels he has a contribution to make with the Blaugrana.

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