According to a number of Sunday papers, Manchester United are believed to have stepped up their interest in two Premiership stars - Southampton's Anti Niemi and Everton's Thomas Gravesen.

Both players have been rumoured with a switch to Old Trafford in recent months, but the papers have re-kindled the speculation that they truly believe to be true.

Southampton shot-stopped Niemi is deemed as the perfect goalkeeping replacement for the unreliable Tim Howard and Roy Carroll and is candid in expressing his desire to join the Red Devils.

"I hope Saints don't have to sell me, but I would be lying if I said I wouldn't be ready to talk to Manchester United." admitted the Finn in a recent interview.

Everton's midfield-maestro Thomas Gravesen has been linked with moves to top Champions League clubs including Italians AC Milan and Spaniards Real Madrid and, of course, a transfer to United.

However, Chief Executive at United David Gill revealed several weeks ago that there would be no funds available for Sir Alex Ferguson to use unless players were offloaded.