Escude transfer talks stall

Julien Escude’s future remains in the balance after talks between his club Rennes and Manchester United officials stalled in Paris.

Rennes made it clear that to sell the defender would leave them with a selection crisis, but they then asked for two weeks to consider the potential deal.

Escude is valued in the £5m (€7.8m) bracket, but Rennes rate the 22-year-old as the key member of their back line and believe he could benefit from another year in French football.

General manager Pierre Dreossi said: “Manchester have confirmed their interest in the player.

“But we are not interested in such a transfer as it is too late in the season and to find a suitable replacement would be difficult.”

United are seeking back-up for their first choice centre-back pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Laurent Blanc.