Man Utd baulk at Lucas Moura price

Manchester United are fearful of being priced out of the race to sign Sao Paulo ’s teenage sensation Lucas Moura . The Brazilian club are determined to keep hold of the attacking midfielder, with only an extraordinary bid likely to sway their president, Juvenal Juvencio, who on Saturday claimed that they would “risk” holding onto their prized asset. However, Lucas' club own just 80 per cent of his economic rights - with the player himself holding the remaining 20% - and, should the 19-year-old be willing to forgohis cut of a fee, he could be available for below his market worth. United, who face stiff competitionfor the player’s signature from thelikes of Inter and Real Madrid, are understood to have made contact with Lucas through third parties but have been put off by his extravagant £110,000-a-week wage demands.

Arsenal lift memorial cup

Arsenal may have lost 5-4 on penalties to Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday night, but theystill lifted the Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup. In an exciting clash at St Mary’s, the hosts took the lead in the 31stminute through Jay Rodriguez’s header following a sustained period of pressure. But Arsenal responded brightly and Gervinho levelled matters when he worked his way into theSouthampton box, held off two men and fired in at the near post. Both sides went in search of a winner, but with no further goals the game went to a penalty shoot-out. A consummate display of spot-kick taking ensued until Kyle Ebecilio fired the final one wide. But it was not enough to deny theGunners the trophy on an enjoyable and useful evening in Southampton.

Arsenal lift memorial cup

Arsenal may have lost 5-4 on penalties to Southampton at St Mary’s on Saturday night, but theystill lifted the Markus Liebherr Memorial Cup. In an exciting clash at St Mary’s, the hosts took the lead in the 31stminute through Jay Rodriguez’s header following a sustained period of pressure. But Arsenal responded brightly and Gervinho levelled matters when he worked his way into theSouthampton box, held off two men and fired in at the near post. Both sides went in search of a winner, but with no further goals the game went to a penalty shoot-out. A consummate display of spot-kick taking ensued until Kyle Ebecilio fired the final one wide. But it was not enough to deny theGunners the trophy on an enjoyable and useful evening in Southampton.

Talk to me! Eriksen asks Ajax whether United are one of the £20m bidders

Christian Eriksen is set to demandanswers from Ajax about a move to Manchester United. The Denmark international, 20, has been told that the Dutch champions have opened talks with two clubs ready to meet their £20million valuation. Zenit St Petersburg are believed tohave registered their interest and Eriksen wants to know whether Sir Alex Ferguson has sanctioned a rival bid. Eriksen will speak with Marc Overmars, Ajax’s new director of football, his week to discover whether his dream of playing for United is soon to be realised. Sources in Holland believe if United meet the £20m asking price they will get their man as Ajax attempt to balance their books. Ferguson was glowing about Eriksen after United knocked Ajaxout of the Europa League last season. Ajax have already signed Adam Maher from AZ Alkmaar to fill the playmaker role that Erikson has excelled in as Ajax have won successive Dutch titles. Eriksen rejected the opportunity to speak with Manchester City lastsummer because he had set his heart on joining either United or Barcelona.