Wayne Rooney's fractured foot, married to United's profligate early-season form in front of goal, has prompted the inevitable wave of late-summer transfer speculation.

With the transfer window closing until January on August 31, the common concensus is that Bolton's Nicolas Anelka could be the subject of a United bid. The Sun, however, buck the trend and credit the Reds with an interest in Newcastle and Nigeria star Obafemi Martins, who allegedly has a release clause in his contract which would be triggered by a £13million bid.

Although Kieran Richardson, Alan Smith and Giuseppe Rossi have already been sold this summer, funds for such a new striker could well be provided by the sale of Gabriel Heinze. As well as Liverpool's high-profile interest, the likes of Lyon and Juventus are also allegedly monitoring his availability.