Manchester United have apparently agreed to loan right-back Phil Bardsley to Sunderland until the end of the season. The Salford youngster spent the first half of the season on loan at Scottish club Rangers but was recently sent back to Old Trafford.

Black Cats manager and Reds legend Roy Keane also wants to sign another young United defender, Northern Ireland international Johnny Evans. Sir Alex Ferguson hasn't yet decided if the club will allow the player to join Sunderland but the manager has given Keane some hope by saying that the Wearside club would be the right sort of place for Evans to develop and gain experience.

I predict a massive future for Evans at Old Trafford and so it would be bordering on criminal negligence if the player was sold. Please, Fergie et al, do not even think about it.

One player who reportedly will be allowed to leave is Kieran Richardson. I honestly feel a move for Richardson is the best for all concerned; despite being a full international, I personally can see no future for the player at Old Trafford. A move to a club with a lower profile and expectations is most definitely on the cards.

Of more of a surprise comes the news that Alan Smith isn't for sale under any circumstances. Granted Smith broke his leg against Liverpool and has been unlucky with injuries and in the view of many Reds fans he's been treated a bit shabbily by the manager. When he first arrived he was told by Fergie that he'd only ever be used as a striker. That soon changed as he was played anywhere but up front. Smith is now fully fit yet rarely features in the squad, but apparently Fergie has stated he's not for sale. Surely the United manager is bluffing? Every player has his price and I suspect the Reds are trying to encourage the right bid. I fully expect Smith to be sold, be it in January or in the summer. Watch this space.

James Ryddel