Manchester United Transfer News: Michael Carrick A-League Offer, Latest Rumours

Australian club Perth Glory have reportedly offered Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick a "marquee contract" to sign with them this summer, with his current deal at Old Trafford set to expire in June.

The news comes from Fox Sports:

The 34-year-old has made over 400 appearances for the Red Devils in a 10-year spell at the club but looks set to move on at the end of the season.

His style of play can be quite subtle—he is hardly known for his flying tackles or dynamic lung-busting runs—and because of that, he has perhaps been quite underrated at United, but his distribution and composure in possession remain excellent and can help keep the side calm in the centre of the park.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News believes he could still do a job for England at the UEFA European Championships this summer:

Meanwhile, the Telegraph's James Ducker remarked during their 3-2 defeat to West Ham United on Tuesday that Carrick is still the Red Devils' top-performing player in the middle:

However, while he was never the most mobile player to begin with, age has caught up with the midfielder, and his lack of movement is a real issue against pacey sides who pass the ball quickly.

Football writer Liam Canning believes he should no longer be playing a key role for United:

If partnered with an industrious ball-winner or box-to-box midfielder, Carrick could still enjoy another couple of seasons as an effective player.

Like the United States and China, Australia's A-league has emerged as a destination for European footballers at the close of their careers, with Robbie Fowler and Alessandro Del Piero among those to have spent time there in recent years.

With that being the case, it would not be much of a surprise if Carrick were to take Perth up on their offer.

Regardless of whether Carrick leaves or is handed a new deal, United still need some fresh blood in the middle, particularly of the creative kind. 

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According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola (h/t James Cambridge of the Express), they're targeting Sporting Lisbon star Joao Mario but will be required to pay £47 million to get him.

Per A Bola (h/t football writer Jan Hagen), the midfielder compares well with Benfica star Renato Sanches, whom United have just missed out on when he joined Bayern Munich on Tuesday:

Further, according to Hagen, the 23-year-old is open to a move at some point:

His creativity and technique could make him an excellent addition to United's squad, though having only played in Portugal, he would be a significant gamble if they do part with £47 million to get him.