Newcastle United ready huge raid for Serie A star as Man Utd handed £70m transfer asking price

Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has hailed Scott McTominay and has admitted he didn’t understand why his former club were open to selling the Scotland international.

The all-action midfielder came off the bench to score two injury-time goals in his side’s home win against Brentford on Saturday afternoon and eased some of the growing pressure on Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag.

The 13-times Premier League champions looked set to suffer a fourth defeat in their last five league games before McTominay’s spectacular impact during the closing stages – and Schmeichel has hailed the Scot as ‘a fantastic player’.

He told Premier League Productions: "He’s got the ability to do that. I don’t understand what coaches are doing. Scott McTominay was up for sale all summer and I don’t understand that.

"He’s a fantastic player, you need utility players. You need players that can play different positions, that can come from the bench and change the course of the game and he’s definitely one of them."

The 3AM Verdict: McTominay has been in fine form for Scotland and recent weeks and his attitude during some difficult times for Manchester United has often stood out. Even in the wake of some criticism, the midfielder has always given his all, which is more than can be said for some of his team-mates at Old Trafford.

Magpies ‘prioritise’ move for Serie A star

Newcastle United boosted their midfield ranks when they completed a move for AC Milan star Sandro Tonali during the summer transfer window.

But one report from Spain has now suggested the Magpies are ready to plunder the Italian market once again next summer by reigniting their interest in Tonali’s international team-mate Nicolo Barella.

The 26-year-old was reportedly the subject of an unsuccessful bid from Newcastle earlier this summer before they turned their attentions towards their attempts to sign Tonali. However, Fichajes have now claimed they will make a further attempt to persuade Inter to sell Barella and see him as ‘the perfect complement’ to Tonali and Brazilian star Bruno Guimaraes.

The 3AM Verdict: Newcastle have a history of maintaining a long-term interest in transfer targets after they bided their time to persuade defender Sven Botman and winger Harvey Barnes over the last 18 months. But it would still be a surprise if they were to do similar with Barella as his addition would lead to some tough decisions given the presence of the likes of Joelinton, Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and Elliot Anderson in Eddie Howe’s squad.

Brighton will ‘consider’ offers for star winger

The form of Brighton and Hove Albion winger Kaoru Mitoma has reportedly led to interest from the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in recent months.

The Japan star played a lead role as the Seagulls secured a first ever season in European competition as his ten goals and eight assists in 41 appearances helped the south coast club claim a place in this season’s Europa League.

His form has carried into the current campaign and Mitoma will head into the international break with three goals and four assists in 11 appearances. Football Insider have claimed the Seagulls rate Mitoma at ‘around £70m’ and would be willing to discuss a deal even if the talented winger agrees a new contract at the Amex Stadium.

The 3AM Verdict: Sometimes you want to feel sorry for Brighton supporters as several of their key players are sold on for major profits – but then you realise they will just dip into their scout reports and pluck another would-be star from Europe and beyond.