Manchester United Transfer News: Danny Rose Interest Reported, Latest Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly "favourites" to sign Tottenham Hotspur left-back Danny Rose, who is believed to be interested in returning to the north of England. 

According to the Mirror's John Cross, his desire to move back up north "has alerted" Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho as one of his top targets this summer is a new left-back.

Rose—who was born in Doncaster—spent his youth career at Leeds United and also played for Sunderland on loan from Spurs.

Rose recently told BBC 5 live Sport (h/t the Press Association, via the Mirror) that some players such as Harry Kane could leave Spurs this summer: "He might feel he has done enough at Tottenham and might fancy a change or might feel Tottenham is the nearly club that nearly wins the league and might choose to move on."

He also stated his belief the Lilywhites lack strength in depth compared with some of their rivals, per BBC 5 live Sport:

Spurs blogger Ricky Sacks appreciated Rose's candour during the interview and hailed the improvement he's made during his time at White Hart Lane:

Indeed, the full-back has come a long way since making his Premier League debut with Tottenham, albeit he will probably never score a goal quite so good:

Rose's raw talent has always been abundantly clear and he impressed during his successful loan spell with Sunderland before returning to Spurs and establishing himself in the first team.

Under manager Mauricio Pochettino's tutelage, he has developed into one of the best left-backs in the Premier League.

He was enjoying an excellent season before an injury in January cut short his campaign, and he made just 18 Premier League appearances.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Despite that, he won 35 tackles and 24 headed duels, as well as making 25 interceptions and 63 clearances, according to Squawka.

He also showed his quality going forward with two goals and as many assists, and he created 26 chances.

Fortunately for Spurs—and potentially United—they have a similarly able back-up in Ben Davies, who is perhaps not quite as incisive in an attacking sense but is able to cover for Rose defensively.

That could make Tottenham slightly less reluctant to part with Rose, particularly if United offer Luke Shaw as a part-exchange, as Cross reported that could be of interest to them.

Shaw has struggled for form and fitness at Old Trafford but clearly has a great deal of potential, and he could thrive under Pochettino in the same way Rose did.

United would receive one of the top left-backs in the league, while Spurs would have a player who could become that with the right coaching, provided he stays fit, and would still have the reliable Davies to call upon.

Losing a key performer would not be ideal for Tottenham as they try to transition from title challenger to title winner, but if Rose wants to leave this could be an effective solution.