Transfer Rumours: Jan 07

Chris Eagles is the latest player to be touted for departure from United - and this time on a permanent basis.

The Daily Mirror claims Sheffield United are keen on signing the 21 year-old winger, who spent the first half of this season on loan at Dutch side NEC Nijmegen. Eagles has previously played for Sheffield's other league club, Wednesday, also on loan.

The biggest name tipped to leave Old Trafford in the transfer window is Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze, who has apparently alerted Juventus, AC Milan and Valencia.

Heinze's mooted departure could pave the way for more tabloid rumours to bear fruit, with the arrival of Southampton left-back Gareth Bale. The 17 year-old is highly rated, with United, Liverpool, Arsenal and even Real Madrid tipped to test the Saints' resolve.

Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez is another rumoured target for United, as an alternative to Bayern Munich and England star Owen Hargreaves.

However, a Barca spokesman told Sky Sports: "We do not know about this subject. Normally the club does not respond to stories published in the papers but we have not received any offer. Xavi is a key man for us and has signed a contract until 2010."

Other midfielders linked with the Reds include Bordeaux's Rio Antonio Mavuba, Blackburn's David Bentley and PSG's Youssouf Mulumbu.

As for strikers, the News of the World claims Arsenal will offer Emmanuel Adebayor a new deal to ward off United's alleged interest.