Man Utd told to sign ‘brilliant’ Barcelona defender as Newcastle United ‘eye’ shock Sandro Tonali replacement

Manchester United have the opportunity to make it four wins on the bounce as they return to Premier League action this weekend, but the visit of Champions Manchester City to Old Trafford will be far from an easy three points.

Erik ten Hag will be aware that any embarrassment at the hands of the Red Devils' bitter rivals would soon undo his last three triumphs and that a solid showing is needed from his side.

Here's your Friday evening transfer update.

Newcastle could offer Manchester United star fresh start

United may be able to profit from the ban of Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali by sending midfielder Christian Eriksen to the North East. The 31-year-old has started just three Premier League games this term and the player will have just one year left on his contract come the summer.

The Magpies splashed £55 million on signing Tonali from AC Milan this year but now the star is set for an extended period on the sidelines after being hit with a 10-month ban from football by Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Thursday for breaching betting rules. However, The ban is yet to be approved by Uefa and Fifa.

Fichajes report that Newcastle United are monitoring Eriksen as an option to fill the expected void which will be left by the Italian, as they Magpies are attracted by the Dane's versatility. A move to St James' Park could give the £16 million valued man a chance for more regular game time, as well as Champions League football.

Manchester United legend picks ‘brilliant’ transfer target

United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged the club to look into signing impressive Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan has risen to become one of the continent's most exciting defenders at the age of 24 years old and has even been awarded one of the club captaincy roles at the Catalan giants this term.

The Red Devils have struggled to keep goals out this term. With Lisandro Martinez undergoing a major surgery and Raphael Varane also picking up niggles, the position looks a key place to strengthen in upcoming windows.

For Ferdinand, Araujo is the perfect man for Manchester United to move in for, despite the Barcelona star having injury problems of his own this season. Ferdinand told the Manchester Evening News: “The Uruguayan boy at Barcelona – Araujo. Whether he’s gettable or not, I think he’s brilliant. He’s an unreal centre-half. He has every attribute to be perfect for the Premier League. I’d probably say he’s the standout, but whether he’s gettable or not, I don’t know."

As Ferdinand himself recognises, any move for the player could be a frivolous pursuit as Araujo is contracted with the club until 2026 with murmurs that sporting director Deco is keen to offer an even longer-term deal to the centre-back.