[Pic] Douglas Costa at Old Trafford

Douglas Costa has been monitored by Sir Alex Ferguson for the past four years and it seems the 20 year-old Brazilian is a little closer to joining up with fellow Brazilians Rafael and Fabio at United after being spotted at the Manchester United - Bolton game on Saturday.

Costa is part of the Shakhtar Donetsk side that have reached the quarter finals of the Champions League and is seen as the perfect replacement to Paul Scholes in the United midfield. Costa is an attacking midfielder with pace and dribbling ability who can be utilised on either wing or up front as a second striker.


Manchester United would not comment on his appearance at Old Trafford, seen above, but Sir Alex had tried to sign him when he played at Brazilian side Gremio. A deal fell through and he signed for Shakhtar who will apparently ask for close to £20 million if United come calling. That is £15 million more than what Shakhtar bought him for in January 2010 and £13 million more than what United originally offered Gremio in 2009.


The player has scored 15 goals in 61 appearances for Shakhtar and a move to United could prove difficult with a work permit a possible stumbling block as well as the Ukranian clubs good financial position. As the richest club in Ukraine and this seasons good Champions League showing, they will be in no rush to sell their best players.

Man United, Arsenal & Liverpool target agrees Barca Move

PSV Eindhoven have announced that Ibrahim Afellay, a reported target for some of the top Premier League clubs has agreed to sign for Barcelona.

Despite interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, the talented Holland International who plays in the attacking midfield role as well as the wings is now currently negotiating personal terms with Barcelona over his proposed move to the Spanish giants.

A statement on Barcelona's website read:

 "PSV Eindhoven and Barcelona have reached an agreement on a deal to bring Ibrahim Afellay to Barca, subject to successfully settling personal terms between the player and the Catalan club over the coming weeks.

"Until the deal is finally settled, Ibrahim Afellay wishes to concentrate on the upcoming important games for PSV."

The players' agent Rob Jansen has also confirmed that personal terms are in progress but admitted that this section of the deal could take a while:

"That [agreeing personal terms] is definitely going to take some time," Jansen told Sports Promotion's official website.

"There is certainly no final agreement. When the time comes we will notify the media and the fans through our website."

If the deal is completed, as it is likely to, Afellay will join Barcelona in the January transfer window for an undisclosed fee, but one that some reports claim to be only around 2 - 4 million euros.

The talented Dutchman has played for PSV since 2003 and has scored a total of 34 goals in 154 games. After watching videos of the 24 year old, it is easy to understand why there is so much interest in the young man. It is also easy to see why he has chosen to play for Barcelona over Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, with the Spanish clubs fierce attacking force suited to Affelay's attacking play.

He is a creative player, and someone who would certainly walk into the current Liverpool side, while Manchester United - still looking for a future Paul Scholes and with a recent reliance on Nani, would welcome him to Old Trafford. Arsenal's excellent passing ability and attacking play would also suit Afellay, but the lure of playing alongside players such as Lionel Messi among others would have probably swayed his decision. Along with the rather more pleasant weather of Spain.

Schweinsteigers brother begs him to Join Man United

Bastian Schweinsteiger has praised the Premier League and its fans, and said that the atmosphere at Manchester United in particular was "fantastic". His comments come after rumours persistently linked the German international to the English League, with either Manchester United or Chelsea.

He even said that his brother, a big Manchester United fan, has been begging him to join the Old Trafford team. Schweinsteiger told the Sunday Times:

"I love the kind of speed of the English game but I don't know what will happen with me,"

"What I love is the atmosphere in English stadiums. When we played last year in Manchester it was fantastic.

"My brother is a big fan of Man U and he always says, 'Go to Man U, go to Man U.' I say, 'I can't, I can't."

He praised the strength of Chelsea too, saying that he likes the "Chelsea style". But what do these comments mean? His contract at Bayern Munich expires in 2012, however, it is unlikely he will stay in Germany for that long. If he doesn't renew his contract, then he could leave for a free transfer in 2012 - something that Bayern certainly would not want.

Schweinsteiger is known for his deadly accurate long range shots, as well as a brilliant delivery from set pieces. His energy is brilliant, and his creativity and reliability were vital in Germany's 2010 World Cup run, which saw them stand out as a very strong, young team. These attributes would certainly be welcomed in England, and he is more than capable for playing for a top team.

However, if the 26 year old was thinking of moving to Manchester United in the January transfer market, his hopes were dashed, as Sir Alex Ferguson ruled out any signings in January. The Scot said:

"We won't be buying in January, definitely not,"

"If you want someone to play in Europe, you are limited right away. There are hundreds of players cup-tied.

You have five months left of the season, I will have Antonio Valencia back hopefully towards the end of February, which is a new player coming back."

He also said that Michael Owen's return would be like a new player returning. But are these just more excuses to avoid putting the club into more debt by spending money that United have not got? Whatever the reasons, if Sir Alex wants Schweinsteiger, he is not the only one, and if a bid is placed for the German play maker, Ferguson must be ready.

New Labour Leader Visits Sir Alex

If Ed Miliband needed any tips on how to win, going to meet Sir Alex Ferguson was a good move today. The new Labour Party leader was shown around Manchester United Head-Quarters and met the youth players at the Academy with United manager Ferguson - a loyal Labour voter.

With Ferguson a veteran when it comes to beating his rivals, the pair may well have been discussing and comparing notes, with Miliband fighting against Prime Minister David Cameron to run the country.

Miliband is a loyal Leeds supporter - arch rivals to Manchester United, but Ferguson must have been in a good mood. Sir Alex said "discipline and teamwork" were the key to success in football and politics.

As he left Carrington after his audience with Ferguson, Ed said: "He's given me good advice." When asked what this advice was, Ed replied "It's a secret."