United considering 11th-hour swoop for Coleman

LONDON: Manchester United are considering a stunning 11th-hour swoop for Everton fullback Seamus Coleman.

Jose Mourinho‘s men have been short on the right-hand side of defence ever since Gary Neville left, with winger Antonio Valencia regularly filling in.

However, the Special One now wants a star name to fill Neville’s boots, with Everton ace Coleman the target.

However, Coleman claims he has heard nothing from United, saying: “It is that time of year.

“I haven’t heard about the story. I am preparing for a game on Wednesday and that is all I am concentrating on.”

Coleman is set to make his 200th league appearance for the Toffees against Stoke today – should he still remain at Goodison Park.

With Ronald Koeman’s men taking on Bournemouth, Middlesbrough and Sunderland this month, Coleman is hoping his Everton team-mates can launch a new charge towards the top six after their stunning start to 2016-17 faded massively towards the end of the calendar year.

Coleman added: “We got off to a decent start – then it was a tricky spell – when the top six pulled away in that period.

“We have been left to play catchup. We want to stay in touch. As a player, as a team, you want to look up, rather than down.

“The top six are difficult to compete with, because of the money they have, the number of talented players within their squads, but we have to try and hold onto their tails.

“We are five points off (United). We have to believe.”

Coleman has been in typically good form this season, turning out 21 times in all competitions for Everton, netting four times – including the winner against Crystal Palace in his last game.

The Irishman has been at Goodison Park since leaving Sligo Rovers in 2009 – turning out 199 times in the English Premier League and 240 times in all competitions.

In that time, he’s also racked up 42 international caps, netting once. — The Sun, London