Thomas Ince (L)
Tottenham may be planning a summer move for Blackpool winger Thomas Ince (L) Reuters

Tottenham will look to sign highly-rated Blackpool winger Thomas Ince in the summer, according to the Metro. The England U21 star was linked to Liverpool in the January window but negotiations between the Anfield club and the Championship side broke down over financial terms.

It is believed Ince is being targeted as cover and competition for England international Aaron Lennon, who has had a difficult time with injuries this campaign. Ince is enjoying an excellent season with the Bloomfield Road club, scoring 18 times and creating 12 goals in 38 appearances.

Spurs may have to face a challenge, for Ince, from long-time admirers Liverpool, with Brendan Rodgers understood to still be keen on the youngster; the move will likely also please fans, for Ince is a graduate of the Merseyside club's youth academy.

Spurs and Liverpool must be wary of Manchester United though. Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to be monitoring the situation as well, despite the confirmed transfer of Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha for £15m.

It is probably unlikely SAF will sanction a bid for another winger but should one of his existing options - Nani, Antonio Valencia or Ashley Young - leave the club, it is entirely possible the Scot will move for Ince. The Sun linked the player with a £4m January move late in 2012.

My Son Is Worth More

Meanwhile, Ince's father, Paul Ince (who played for both Liverpool and United) has argued his son should be valued at £25m.

"If you're talking £15m for Zaha, Thomas has got to be £25m. If you compare the two, Thomas should cost more. Zaha is a fantastic player, don't get me wrong. Zaha's a stronger runner and does a lot of tricks, whereas Thomas is more direct, he makes things happen and he scores goals," he told the BBC.

SAF on De Gea

Finally, ahead of Monday night's Manchester derby, Ferguson has backed his goalkeeper, David De Gea, to remain as United's No 1 for next season. The Spaniard, £17.8m 2011 summer signing from Atlético Madrid, faced severe criticism in his couple of seasons in England, leading to speculation he would be replaced. However, Ferguson has now said his 22-year-old goalkeeper will stay at Old Trafford and continue to grow and improve.