Man Utd to pounce as Man City plan Ireland sale

Manchester United are eyeing Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland.

The Observer says City's Ireland is set to leave Eastlands, with Roberto Mancini determined to splash out on a new attacking midfielder this summer.

It leaves the tantalising question of whether City will allow the 23-year-old to join Manchester United, whose manager Sir Alex Ferguson is a huge admirer.

Liverpool and Spurs would also be interested in the Irishman.