The Gunners may have already signed Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax but they are on the look-out for more defensive reinforcements.
Bolton defender Gary Cahill, who ironically would have been a Shearer target had he managed to keep United in the Premier League, is another player courted by Wenger – but Bassong’s name is understood to feature prominently.
Shearer is fully aware that, due to the
delay in his appointment, there will be plenty of fire-fighting to do when he finally gets his feet under the desk at St James’s.
As well as reassuring Bassong (right) and Taylor that they have pivotal parts to play in United’s promotion bid, he also has plenty of work to do to convince Habib Beye to sign up for a season in the second tier.
But it is shifting a raft of high earners who under-performed last year that is his priority. The United boss has prepared a list of players he would be willing to sell as part of an overhaul of the squad – and the names run into double figures.
Meanwhile, Stoke have emerged as the latest club to offer Michael Owen guaranteed top-flight football next season. Owen confirmed this week that he will leave United at the end of the season, but so far the only clubs to declare an interest are Hull and Stoke – neither of whom were sent the brochure prepared by his agents to try to help him secure a move.
Undeterred, Potters boss Tony Pulis has serious interest in signing the striker.
“You never say never in football, so of course I would be interested in throwing my hat into the ring if it was ever viable,” he said.
“I’m not sure whether Michael would want to come here right now, but that situation could always change for him.
“He would be a great signing for this football club, and he can rest assured our fans would treat him as one of their own.”
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