Jones picks up an ankle niggle and Pereira is set to complete move to Valencia

PEREIRA SET TO LEAVE

Andreas Pereira is all set to join Valencia on a season long loan deal in the coming hours or days after the two clubs reached an agreement. The consensus was reached once Valencia owner Peter Lim touched down in Manchester yesterday to head negotiations. Pereira will return to the La Liga where he had a very good individual season at Granada. Pereira who is out of contract next summer may sign a new deal before departing.

ANKLE NIGGLE

Jose Mourinho revealed that Phil Jones played through the pain barrier after suffering a minor knock to his ankle during United’s clash versus Leicester. Mourinho who called him ‘my type of centre-back’ is now expected to stay in Manchester and recuperate and will withdraw from the England squads for the forthcoming Internationals. Mourinho said: “And now he’s complaining about an ankle problem. So he’s the kind of player where we need to have him always in our hands with a lot of care from the medical department. If we manage to protect him from injuries, he is everything I like in a central defender.

UNITED BID FOR BALE?

Reports in Spain have mentioned a mammoth United bid of £92m for Gareth Bale. The Welshman’s future went up in the air once again as Madrid struggled to a 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu. Bale was singled out for criticism by the Madrid faithful who booed him as the match progressed. Whether this changes Bale’s mind about staying in Madrid is not known as of yet. But he may force a move in the coming hours given previous similar instances.

BAILLY-JONES PARTNERSHIP IMPRESSES RIO

Rio Ferdinand who formed one half of the last great centre back pairing at Old Trafford with Nemanja Vidic was impressed by the Eric Bailly-Phil Jones axis. The duo who have started the season strongly helping United keep 3 consecutive clean sheets have the capability to protect the goal for years to come. Rio said: “‘They’ve not had a consistent partnership, a two in there playing at the back for a few years. They need players that are there week in week out and you need to understand how the other one plays. You need to learn about your partner. They’ve not had a consistent partnership, a two in there playing at the back for a few years.”

UNITED TO MAKE BEELINE FOR SANCHEZ & SANCHES?

With deadline day coming closer and closer, United are beginning to be linked with a number of high-profile players like Alexis Sanchez and Bayern’s Renato Sanches. Both players are looking for a way out of their clubs with the former disgruntled with Arsenal and the latter frustrated with a lack of playing time. A move for both is highly unlikely but United may end up making a beeline on deadline day and complete a stunning raid to bolster their ranks.