ANTI Manchester United

Manchester United's financial situation has again been called into question following news that the club have turned down the chance to sign David Villa.

Valencia striker Villa is one of the most prolific strikers in Europe and the second highest scorer of all time for Spain, with 37 goals in just 55 matches.

The financially-stricken Liga outfit have managed to resist selling their prize asset for the last two seasons but Villa is almost certain to leave the Mestalla this summer, with a decent performance at the World Cup sure to see his stock rise even higher.

However, it seems Old Trafford will not be his destination - as the Premier League champions have turned down the opportunity to sign him for £40 million. (The Guardian)

Instead, United announced yesterday that they have agreed a deal for 21-year-old Mexican striker Javier Hernandez for an undisclosed fee.

Manchester City want to give their local rivals a constant reminder of their European exit this week by signing Bayern Munich striker IvicaOlic.

The Croatian forward scored in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final between the two sides, including the vital late winner in the first leg in Germany, and City could snap up the 30-year-old for as little as £6m. (Daily Mail)

City manager Roberto Mancini visited Anfield for Liverpool's Europa League clash with Benfica last night in order to personally check out winger Angel Di Maria.

The Argentina international has been targeted by Chelsea and Manchester United as well as Mancini's City, but the Italian manager may have been put off forking out £20m after seeing the winger fail to make a major impact on the match, which Liverpool won 4-1 to progress. (Daily Mirror)

Stoke City striker James Beattie is set to be snubbed by manager Tony Pulis this weekend.

Beattie and the Potters boss have not seen eye-to-eye since the pair clashed in the dressing room following December's defeat at Arsenal. Pulis was alleged to have headbutted Beattie as the two rowed about the players staying in London that evening for their Christmas party.

A knee injury has kept Beattie on the sidelines for much of this year but, after turning out for the reserves in midweek, the forward had hoped he would be included in the squad for this weekend's trip to Wolves. However, Pulis is set to plump for 17-year-old Louis Moult on his bench at Molineux instead of Beattie. (Daily Mirror)

Veteran Real Madrid midfielder Guti has been sporadically linked with a move to England over the last few years, but it now looks as though it could happen.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be considering signing the 34-year-old, who has three Champions League winners' medals and five in La Liga.

The precocious playmaker has still shown more than the occasional flash of brilliance in his substitute appearances for Real this season, and would add valuable experience to the Spurs squad if they succeed in securing Champions League football for next season.

Guti said: "At present, there's no chance of me staying. I have a year left but my best option is to go. My idea is to go to England, Italy or the Middle East." (Daily Mail)

Newcastle United are weighing up a £2m bid for Birmingham's dead-ball specialist Sebastian Larsson. (The Sun)

However, that price may go up now that the Swede has signed a new one-year deal at St Andrews, while defenderLiam Ridgewell will stay on for another two. Both players would have been free agents in the summer. (Daily Mirror)

Elsewhere, Sporting Lisbon are interested in bringing in Chelsea reserve keeper Hilario (Daily Mail), Robbie Fowler is to join Sydney FC following the collapse of North Queensland Fury (Daily Mail), and Brian Laws is set to be sacked asBurnley manager if the Clarets lose to Hull this weekend. (various)