Sunderland face Celtic competition for defender O’Shea

Sunderland face competition for defender John O'Shea.

O'Shea has accepted terms from Sunderland, but is delaying a final decision as he considers his options.

The versatile defender is also a target of Celtic boss Neil Lennon.

O'Shea is reluctant to leave Old Trafford.

Liverpool prepare offer for defender O’Shea

Liverpool are making a shock move for defender John O'Shea.

The Irish Independent says Liverpool are one of five clubs chasing the signature of O'Shea, who looks set to turn down Sunderland.

But there is plenty of interest elsewhere, with Tottenham, Newcastle and Aston Villa all interested in the €6m- rated Ireland defender.

After 360 appearances for Man Utd, the Waterford man appears to be on his way out after Alex Ferguson green-lighted a move to the Stadium of Light.

But with a host of clubs enquiring after his availability, the 30-year-old could make a lucrative move this summer

O’Shea reluctant to leave Man Utd

John O'Shea is unsure about a move away from Man Utd.

Sunderland have tabled £12 million for O'Shea, Wes Brown and Darron Gibson.

The Independent says though Brown and Gibson were ready for the move away – Brown started only four league games last season and Gibson's torrid relationship with fans forced him to remove a Twitter account he established in April – O'Shea is more reluctant and is understood to be dragging his heels.

O'Shea, a far more integral part of the United set-up, started 18 Premier League games last season and may hanker for a better move. But Sir Alex, who has already furnished Steve Bruce's side with Fraizer Campbell, Kieran Richardson and Phil Bardsley, may ensure that all three of these United players depart for Wearside.

Irish duo fighting for Man Utd stay

The futures of three senior Man Utd players are under a cloud.

The Telegraph says the futures of Dimitar Berbatov, John O’Shea and Darron Gibson - all of whom are out of contract next summer - are unlikely to be resolved until the new year.

They are all expected to remain at the club beyond this summer.

Wes Brown, whose contract also expires next year, is likely to be sold during the closed season.

O’Shea, Park told to wait for new contract talks

Manchester United are confident tying two of their senior players to new deals in the summer.

The Independent says midfielder Park Ji-sung – who may be out for four weeks after a bad hamstring injury in training on Friday – and defender John O'Shea both turn 30 in the next few months, but United are thought to be happy to wait until the end of the season to address their futures.

Both players are due to discuss new terms with less than 18 months to run on their existing deals.

O'Shea attracted interest from Wolfsburg during the January market.

John O'Shea gets married...Congrats..

John O'Shea married Yvonne Manning, 27, in the small surrounds of the Lady Chapel in Maynooth, County Kildare.

A low-key couple, the duo steered clear of signing on the dotted line for a glossy magazine deal for their wedding - and instead opted to enjoy a small, tasteful ceremony with their friends and family.

The long-term partner of the defender, Yvonne arrived at the church promptly yesterday afternoon, before the 2pm start time.

And the petite brunette looked every inch the blushing bride, in a demure, sleeveless white wedding-gown.

A stalwart source of support for the footballer over the years, one on-looker said that the bride looked ‘nervous but happy’ as she arrived at the church.

And the duo were happy to share their glad tidings with on-lookers after the ceremony, as they took time to pose for the waiting photographers before heading back to their lavish wedding reception at the exclusive Carton House Hotel.

Originally from Waterford, the duo now live in Cheshire – with Yvonne making the move to be close to O’Shea a number of years ago.

Seldom spotted on the high-profile social scene, which surrounds the premiere league footballers, Yvonne made a rare public appearance in join in the rowdy celebrations after Manchester United scored their European Cup victory over Chelsea in Moscow a number of years ago.

Engaged since 2008, the footballer said at the time, ‘My girlfriend has always been there for me. It is a fantastic feeling.’

The duo are expected to enjoy a honeymoon in the sun, before the footballer has to report back to Old Trafford for pre-season training.

Given the nature of the occasion, familiar faces were ten-a-penny.

Coleen Rooney, who attended with Wayne's cousin, Claire, lent a dash of glamour to the occasion when she arrived in a flowing purple maxi-dress, matched with a pair of eye-catching statement earrings.

And Coleen’s presence at the nuptials was a fitting one, as whispers of the duo’s wedding began when Yvonne beat off stiff competition from her fellow guests on the day, to catch the bouquet at the Rooney’s glitzy wedding in Italy in 2008.

Along with Coleen, the world of football was well-represented with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Ireland player, Kevin Doyle and Manchester United’s Wes Brown – wearing an ill-judged striped suit - and Darron Gibson also in attendance.

While the defender’s Republic of Ireland team-mates Stephen Hunt, Andy Keogh and Daryl Murphy were also on hand to cheer on the happy couple, along with former Republic of Ireland footballer, Kevin Moran.

Regarded as one of the most talented footballers to emerge from Ireland in the last decade, the defender has shied from the spotlight over the years.

But in 2008, he spoke of his years of enduring taunts from fans of rival football teams about his sexuality.

Speaking in an interview at the time, he said, ‘I’ve been gay for about five years, according to them. The Man City fans think I’m gay.’

‘It’s ridiculous,’ he added, ‘it’s just a bit of banter really.’

‘I just brush it off. It doesn't annoy me. I'm always ready for the sing-song when we play City.’