Man Utd ready for Tottenham 'transfer battle' amid telling Kobbie Mainoo update

Man United are looking to continue their fine form of late this weekend as they take on Aston Villa at Villa Park. Unai Emery's side have been inside the Premier League's top four for much of the campaign and the club have ambitions of claiming Champions League football.

United will be looking to stunt their progression then and breathe life into their own hopes of qualifying for Europe's elite competition, which looked highly unlikely at one point this season. Ahead of that clash in the West Midlands, here's a look at some of the biggest stories out there.

United set for Tottenham battle

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have both identified Juventus youngster Dean Huijsen as a potential option this summer. That's according to TuttoJuve, who claim the two clubs are considering moves for the centre-back which could end up setting them back £26m.

Huijsen is currently on loan at Roma, where he has made five Serie A appearances since joining the club at the start of January and the 18-year-old will be keen to pick up plenty of minutes in the Italian capital after spending much of the season so far on the Juve bench. The Dutchman has made just one senior appearance for Juventus so far but he has managed to catch the eye of the Red Devils, who could have a battle on their hands if they are to persuade his parent club to sell.

Mainoo contract latest

Man United are already putting together a new contract proposal to offer Kobbie Mainoo, according to Fabrizio Romano. Mainoo has been a key man at Old Trafford since breaking through into the first-team ranks earlier this season and while he is already contracted until 2027, the club are keen to renew his terms.

It comes as England manager Gareth Southgate outlined his vision for the midfielder, with the Three Lions boss admitting to watching his progress closely.

“He’s doing brilliantly," he told TNT Sports about Mainoo, who represented England U19s in November. "I’m not certain he’s necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder, as such. He’s quite a progressive player but he’s had a fabulous start to his career, and it will be good to monitor him as we go forward."