Manchester United transfer news LIVE Rashford and De Gea contract latest plus Man Utd vs Brighton build-up

Manchester United face Brighton & Hove Albion later this evening as the Reds look to further cement their place in the Premier League's top four.

Erik ten Hag's side can leapfrog Newcastle into third place with a win, but face a Seagulls outfit eyeing revenge following last month's FA Cup semi-final defeat. And the Dutchman will continue to plan without the likes of Raphael Varane, Alejandro Garnacho and Scott McTominay after confirmation that the trio would not be available.

There was good news regarding Varane, however, with Ten Hag admitting he expects the veteran centre-back to return before the end of the season.

Elsewhere, United hope to announce more contract renewals before the end of the season, with talks ongoing between the club and David De Gea, Marcus Rashford and Diogo Dalot.

TODAY'S BIG TALKING POINT: Who would you like to see extend their contracts at United? Have your say here.

Keep up to date with all the latest United news, views and gossip from Old Trafford:

Raphael Varane is expected to return before the end of the season for Manchester United but will not be available for their upcoming games against Brighton and West Ham.

Varane sustained an injury in the Europa League quarter-final first leg against Sevilla three weeks ago but is closer to a return than Scott McTominay, who has also been sidelined for three weeks.

Alejandro Garnacho has resumed squad training but United manager Erik ten Hag suggested the Brighton match on Thursday night is too soon for the Argentine. Garnacho has not played since March 19 due to an ankle injury.

"Prognosis: Rapha is closer than Scott McTominay in this moment but still for the coming two games they are not available.

"We have one training but I think it's