English trio to battle for Michael Carrick?

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick could reportedly be the subject of a bidding battle from a trio of English clubs in January.

The 36-year-old has made just a solitary appearances for the Red Devils since being handed over the captaincy by Jose Mourinho earlier in the summer.

According to The Mirror, Carrick could be offered a fresh challenge in the New Year with the likes of West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City among the Premier League clubs vying for his signature.

Meanwhile, Championship side Aston Villa are also in contention to pursue the former England international, who has racked nearly 400 appearances for United.

Despite this, the Mirror goes on to suggest that Carrick is not keen on leaving Old Trafford midway through the campaign, and he is confident of earning valuable gametime over the course of the season.

Carrick, who joined Manchester United from Tottenham Hotspur back in 2006, has previously suggested that he could retire from the game altogether, should the club end their association with his services.