Transfer Rumours: Dec 06

United have been again linked with a swoop for Southampton's Welsh international defender Gareth Bale.

The 17-year-old left-back is seen as one of the best prospects in Britain, a classy defender with an eye for goal and a fantastic repetoire of free-kicks - and United are among the cluster of clubs monitering his progress.

The Cardiff-born prodigy has five goals already this season for Southampton, and also scored on his competitive international debut. Incredibly, five of the six strikes have been free-kicks.

Elsewhere, United have allegedly been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Norwegian starlet Havard Nordtveit from Haugesund.

A statement from the Norwegian club claimed that, while talks had ended without agreement, the door remains ajar for future negotiations.

Usual suspects Owen Hargreaves and Fernando Torres continue to be linked with Old Trafford, although Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid remain vocal in their intent to keep hold of the pair.

As always, we leave you to form your own views and post them, if you wish, on our message board, manutd.com/talkingreds. The club has a policy of not commenting on speculation but ManUtd.com would welcome your views...