Transfer talk: Seamus Coleman’s hopes of Manchester United switch may be dashed

One of Eamon Dunphy's least favourite midfielders continues to attract attention from big-spending clubs.

He may not have been able to impose himself on the Scottish midfield, last month, but many Premier League managers still believe James McCarthy is a high-class operator. The Everton midfielder was linked to Arsenal and Manchester United last season but, it appears, the new favourites to prise him away from Goodison Park are Tottenham. The Mirror report that the Londoners are preparing a €26m deal to bring him south. The Toffees would like to sign Spurs winger Aaron Lennon so allowing him to join would sweeten any possible deal. Recent stories linking Seamus Coleman with a move from Everton to Manchester United may not be far off the mark. Louis van Gaal, the United manager, is keen to shift current right-back Rafael da Silva and, it would seem, Serie A is his most likely destination. [Sky Sports] Hold that thought, though, as Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio is claiming that United are on the verge of scooping up Torino right-back Matteo Darmian for €20m. The Torino chairman confirmed, today, that three clubs have contacted them about the defender. He wants any deal to be done by Sunday. The 25-year-old Italian international moved to Turin from AC Milan in 2011 and has since tied down a spot on the right flank. He can, however, fill in at left back. Handy, just in case Luke Shaw repeats his 2014/15 goings on. https://youtu.be/QnrRcD3i1NM On the morning that the Soccerex 20 index listed him as Europe's most valuable player under 21 [valued at £35.1m], Raheem Sterling is again linked to a Manchester City move. City are off to Australia soon for a pre-season tour and, according to The Star, want Sterling on-board their plane. The Guardian say Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke will expedite his switch to Liverpool by officially asking to leave, once he reports for pre-season training. If Benteke potters on, he may not meet fellow forward for a couple more weeks. Liverpool have granted the Italian compassionate leave, delaying his pre-season start date. [Daily Telegraph] What of the Manchester United-Real Madrid saga(s)? The English side are not budging on David de Gea but, report Manchester Evening News, determined to land Sergio Ramos from Los Blancos.