Injuries and the departures of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have seen Blackett promoted to the first team this season, and the 20-year-old has reportedly done enough in his six Premier League appearances to convince Louis van Gaal he has a long-term future at Old Trafford.

Blackett was sent off in one of those games, a 5-3 defeat at Leicester, but is also said to have impressed England manager Roy Hodgson, with speculation suggesting he could fast-track the United starlet into the senior set-up.

In a further boost to the young defender, the Daily Mail now claims Van Gaal has recommended to the United board that Blackett should be rewarded with a new contract to represent his first-team standing. That could see him handed close to £50,000 per week, which would represent a wage rise of 2,400 per cent.

It is claimed in the Daily Star, meanwhile, that Juventus bosses are unhappy with the recent behaviour of Chile midfielder Artuto Vidal, who was chased by the Red Devils in the summer and is likely to remain on Van Gaal’s wanted list despite his hefty spend since taking over at the club.