Steve McClaren last night predicted a great future for Stewart Downing after he scored Middlesbrough’s winner at Aegaleo.

Boro were struggling against the Greek minnows before the England Under-21 winger came on as a substitute to make the breakthrough in the 78th minute.

The 20-year-old is being tipped as the answer to the England senior squad’s problem position on the left wing.

McClaren said: "Stewart can go all the way, but at the moment he still has a long way to go. He’s a left winger, which is very rare in English football. He has the ability and what he needs now is the right level of consistency." (Daily Mirror)

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David O’Leary is ready to make a fresh approach for Southampton striker James Beattie, according to the Daily Mirror.

O’Leary needs a new striker after being told he must send Carlton Cole back to Chelsea.

Villa failed with a £6million bid for Beattie during the summer. O’Leary has now been told by chairman Doug Ellis he will have money to spend after agreeing a contract until 2008.

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Manchester United are considering a shock move for Newcastle’s Kieron Dyer in January, according to the Daily Star.

The England star - who has just 18 months left on his contract - could be available for a knockdown price.

It is claimed United have made some initial inquiries about Dyer, who is currently on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.

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The Sun report that Manchester United are going to have to go all out in order to beat Arsenal in Sunday’s explosive battle of Old Trafford.

The Gunners have set their sights on stretching their record-breaking unbeaten league run to 50 games.

But United’s Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze warned: "We’ll do everything we can to stop them. If we can do it playing fantastic football, great, but if not it will be with fight and spirit."

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The Daily Star report that Liverpool have been given the all-clear by FIFA to sign Real Madrid striker Fernando Morientes before the January transfer window.

Kop bosses are keen on last year’s Champions League top scorer but had believed FIFA rules would prevent any switch happening before the end of the season.

But in a clarification of their rules, FIFA say if Real mutually agree with Morientes to terminate his contract, then he could move at any time.