Arsenal have made a shock move for Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick. The Daily Star Sunday says Arsene Wenger is a long-term admirer of midfielder Carrick, 31, and has tried to sign him twice before. But he received short shrift from new United manager David Moyes when he came knocking earlier this summer.

Carrick enjoyed arguably his best campaign at United last term and was named the club's Players' Player of the Year. But Wenger hoped the summer upheaval at Old Trafford and the fact Carrick has yet to open talks over a new contract would increase his chances of making it third time lucky.