Man Utd include Silvestre in new Carrick bid

Manchester United have made an improved bid for Tottenham midfielder Michael Carrick.

The Mirror says United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has upped the stakes to ?16million for his top transfer target Carrick and has told Spurs that French defender Silvestre and John O'Shea are available.

Republic of Ireland international O'Shea is not keen on leaving United but Fergie is hoping Silvestre may tempt the White Hart Lane side into finally accepting an offer for Carrick.

Spurs boss Martin Jol wants to strengthen his defence with a new signing who can play at both centre-half and full-back and Silvestre fits the bill perfectly.