Manchester United: Manchester United

Escude is a very talented defender, I think his versatility will benefit United and Fergie has been after him for years.

Originally posted by TeflonDon
Escude is a very talented defender, I think his versatility will benefit United and Fergie has been after him for years.

Your right this would be a quality signing for them as he is a excellent player with many years ahead of him..This is the area where i think Man U are lacking in depth...The Defence.

They have good starters, but your right it's the lack of cover that surprises me for a club that big.

Cameroon midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba has claimed he has met Sir Alex Ferguson and will be a Manchester United player next season.

The 22-year-old claimed in The News of the World: "I got some phone calls telling me United were interested - and I'm thrilled such a big club have come in for me.

"I have already met Sir Alex Ferguson at Nantes and it was great to meet such a famous manager.

"I was stunned when I heared a deal had been agreed. I'm so excited about playing in England."

Djemba-Djemba is currently playing for his country in the Confederations Cup - and if the move goes ahead it is unlikely to take place until after the competition is completed.

Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron expects to be sold to a Serie A side this summer.

The Argentine cost �28million from Lazio two years ago but will be worth much less in the current market.

He has three years remaining on his Old Trafford contract but has suggested he would be happier at Inter Milan or Juventus next season.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has already raised �25million by selling England captain David Beckham to Real Madrid.







Ronaldinho

Manchester United may know by Friday if they are to land their top summer target Ronaldinho.

The 23-year-old Brazilian World Cup winner is set for showdown talks with Paris St Germain this week following his country's exit from the Confederations Cup.

Ronaldinho - sent off in Brazil's 2-2 draw with Turkey on Monday which saw them knocked out of the competition - has been linked with moves to United, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Sir Alex Ferguson's Premiership champions have emerged as favourites to land the player, and his agent and brother Roberto Assis has again hinted Ronaldinho would prefer a move to Old Trafford.

Carlos Queiroz said he was looking forward to continuing the success story of "the most famous club in the world" after being unveiled as Real Madrid's new coach.

The Mozambique-born 50-year-old, who was presented to the Spanish media just hours after being named as the replacement for Vicente del Bosque, was earlier granted permission to leave his post as Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant at Manchester United to join the newly-crowned Spanish champions.

Speaking in his first press conference in the Real hot-seat Queiroz stated: "My aim is to continue the project that the president and his board are constructing.

Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon is promising an 'interesting news' week at Old Trafford, including the completion of Ronaldinho's �19million move from Paris St Germain.

And that transfer could trigger Juan Sebastian Veron's departure for Chelsea, even though Kenyon claimed no formal bid has been received from the cash-rich Stamford Bridge outfit.

United are anxious to finalise all their big money transfer deals this week, ahead of their departure for the four-match tour of the United States on Saturday.

American goalkeeper Tim Howard is expected to sign a four-year deal on Tuesday once the formalities of his medical are complete and there has also been speculation that a move from Real Betis' highly-rated midfielder Joaquin will be concluded as Sir Alex Ferguson finalises plans for the defence of United's Premiership crown.

However, Ronaldinho remains Ferguson's major summer target and, after welcoming the Brazilian's decision to go public over his desire to join the Red Devils on Sunday, Kenyon said he was confident the protracted transfer negotiations with Paris St Germain would soon be concluded.

Manchester United are closing in on Ronaldinho - but the Brazilian's agent suggested on Tuesday the deal might not be sealed until next week.

That delay would disappoint manager Sir Alex Ferguson as the club are due to set off on their tour of America on Saturday.

The striker's representative and brother Roberto Assis said Ronaldinho will stay in Brazil until there is good reason for him to believe the talks are nearing a conclusion.

Assis insists that completion of the transfer remains on the horizon rather than being imminent.

In addition to Ronaldinho, United are also keen on bringing in his Brazil team-mate Kleberson from Athletico Paranaense.

At a press conference to unveil American goalkeeper Tim Howard as his latest signing, Ferguson said: "We are obviously pursuing the Ronaldinho thing very intensely now, it's getting to that stage.

"It's maybe just about there, we don't know. We are very close."

On Kleberson, the Old Trafford boss said: "We are pursuing an interest."

Ferguson revealed that he expects 24-year-old Howard to challenge Fabien Barthez for the number one spot - and perhaps emulate the legendary Peter Schmeichel.

"The important thing is that Tim will be given an opportunity, but a coach can't guarantee anyone his position - he has to do that himself.

"His reflexes are very quick and he has a good presence. I'm nothing but impressed and his performance in the Confederations Cup were superb.

Peterborough's Jamie Day is training with Manchester United after being invited to link up with the Premiership champions.

The highly-rated winger has joined up with Sir Alex Ferguson's side at their Carrington training ground and will fly out with their squad to play in the Milk Cup in Ireland this weekend.

He follows in the footsteps of fellow Posh starlets Mark Coulson, Ryan Semple and Adam Fry, all of whom have trained with United in the past.

Peterborough also confirmed that Day is set to put pen to paper on a new three-year deal with the club on his return.

United target Daniel van Buyten has ended speculation about his immediate future by signing a new contract at Marseille on Thursday.

But new concerns about his commitment to the club have developed after it was revealed that his priority for next season is to show off his skills to wealthy Premiership chairmen.

The Belgian defender is hoping to advertise himself to the English elite by making a big impression in the upcoming season's Champions League and his agent suggested that next summer would offer a more suitable opportunity to cut his ties with the French club.

It had been reported in the local Marseille press that van Buyten was poised to quit the club and move to Manchester United or Barcelona, but the �10m-rated centre-back instead extended his contract by one year until 2007.

However, according to Christophe Henrotay, van Buyten's agent, that does not indicate that his client wishes to spend the next four seasons with the Stade Velodrome club.

It appears to be a token gesture, with van Buyten still intent on fulfilling his dream of playing in England.

"He's extended his contract for a year, meaning he is now tied to them for four years, but that doesn't mean he can't leave after one," said Henrotay. "Similarly that doesn't mean he won't want to continue his career at Marseille.

"We thought it would be interesting for Daniel to stay a little longer because Marseille are going to play the Champions League and try to win the championship in France this season.

"He likes the manager Alain Perrin, the manager likes him, and because he might play against Real Madrid or any number of major teams next season, that would give him the chance to impress a Europe-wide audience.

"His dream is to play in England, and he will be hoping to become better known over there.

"For the good of his career this is the right move."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to fill the gap left by David Beckham as Manchester United get ready for the new season.

Solskjaer proved a massive success when he was switched from striker to the right side of midfield last season when Beckham was injured, and may well find himself handed the role again when United kick off their pre-season tour with a game against Celtic in Seattle next Wednesday.

Solskjaer, who joined United in the summer of 1996, also knows he will have another battle on his hands for a starting place if Brazilian ace Ronaldinho ties up his move to Old Trafford.

That will be nothing new for the 29-year-old Norwegian who has partnered Eric Cantona, Teddy Sheringham, Andy Cole, Dwight Yorke, and Ruud van Nistelrooy during seven years with United.

Solskjaer says he is looking forward to the new campaign, even though the three week trip to America will keep him away from his family.

"I was away with Norway for a month so I have had three and a half weeks off but I am fresh now. The tour has probably been planned for a long time. The club are looking into different things in America and for us it's probably going to be a great happening playing in front of full houses over there and we just have to try to enjoy it," he said.

As well as the friendly against Celtic, United will also face Juventus, Barcelona and Team America during their tour.

He added: "It's really important for us to play against the best players. We may not be 100% fit, they may not be 100% fit, but you are still playing against the best and that makes you a better player. If you don't look forward to the trips, you at least look forward to the game."

Brazil midfielder Kleberson is on his way to England and looks set to sign for Manchester United in a �6,800,000 deal if he passes a medical.

The World Cup winner left his Atletico Paranaense team-mates in Sao Paulo on Wednesday night- where he was due to play in a Campeonato Brasileiro match - and caught a plane to London.

Atletico Paranaense president Mario Celso Petraglia has been in England during the last week negotiating with a number of Premiership clubs but United are believed to have won the race in a deal reported to be worth nearly �7m.

United's official website quoted the player as saying: "It's a dream for me to play in England. I believe I'm ready for this challenge.

"Gilberto Silva of Arsenal talks of how well contested the matches are in the Premiership. In Brazil, the game is more based on individual skills. In England, teams play quicker and with more tactical awareness.

"All people yearn for new conquests. I have conquered everything with Atletico. I started at the club where I grew up and conquered all the challenges. I was champion of the Brazilian state and I won the World Cup while representing the colours of Atletico. But I believe that my next objective is Europe."

Kleberson is a great player and he will do well at Man U...With all the players that might be going to Man U ollie gunner may yet get relegated back to the bench....

The door has apparently opened for Manchester United to make a move for Real Betis midfielder Joaquin Sanchez with his agent insisting that the Spanish international would listen to an offer from them.

Since being rebuffed by Ronaldinho and Harry Kewell, Joaquin has become one of United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's potential targets, with the player currently in a contract dispute with his club.

Joaquin is looking for an improved deal from the one he has had since being elevated to the first team. It has three years to run, but he has yet to receive a positive response from the club.

However, until now Joaquin, along with his father and advisor Aurelio Sanchez, have played down the issue, saying he wanted to remain with Betis and was not attracted by the Old Trafford side.

A bid of 17million euros plus Diego Forlan has been turned down by Betis, according to the Spanish press but they also report that Betis president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera is prepared to meet United chief executive Peter Kenyon.

Joaquin's agent Gonzalo Argui�ano says that he does not know of any offer made by United but claimed that if the Premiership champions did approach the player then he would definitely consider it.

Priceless Dutch master Ruud van Nistelrooy has been confirmed as the one man Manchester United cannot afford to lose.

While England skipper David Beckham was hawked around to the highest bidder this summer and Juan Sebastian Veron was cleared to enter talks with Chelsea, Old Trafford chief executive Peter Kenyon insisted he would repel any threat to take his star striker, no matter how high the fee.

It is just as well van Nistelrooy is settled, happy and injury-free because even Sir Alex Ferguson knows that without the man who has scored 80 goals in just two seasons with the Red Devils, United's chances of silverware next term would be drastically affected.

"Ruud is not for sale at any value," stated Kenyon.

"He is an essential part of our squad and is one of those players who is not for sale.

"You couldn't replace a van Nistelrooy - there isn't another one around. Whatever way you measure Ruud, he is an exception.

"Even if Chelsea came up with a ridiculous offer I think the answer would still be no."

That is a bold statement from Kenyon given Stamford Bridge's new owner Roman Abramovich appears to have millions of pounds burning a hole in his pocket and is thought capable of offering �71million for Real Madrid skipper Raul.

Manchester United skipper Roy Keane has admitted he may have to hang up his boots well before the end of his three-year contract at Old Trafford.

The midfielder, who will be 32 next month, was dogged by a hip injury last season and fears a recurrence of that problem could even force him to quit at the end of the forthcoming campaign.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Juan Sebastian Veron turned down the chance to leave Old Trafford this summer.

The Argentine midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, with Claudio Ranieri ready to pay �18million for the 26-year-old.

There had been talk of a deal being done before the United party headed out to the USA on their current tour, and speculation over a move has persisted even though Veron is part of the Red Devils' 20-man squad preparing for Monday's game against Club America.

The latest story is that a deal has been done for Veron to move to Stamford Bridge.

However, Ferguson, who had previously admitted only that there had been a tentative enquiry for the player, today revealed Veron had turned down a move and that he remained an integral part of his squad.

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Chelsea did try to sign Juan Sebastian Veron.

In two seasons at Old Trafford since his �28.1million move from Lazio, the Argentinian international has been an enigmatic presence in Ferguson's side.

The Manchester United manager told Sky Sports News: "Yes, there was a situation where Chelsea tried to buy him.

"I left it to him and he wants to stay and that's good."

Although Ferguson admitted cash-rich Chelsea did make a concerted bid to sign the midfielder, United chief executive Peter Kenyon claimed yesterday he had received nothing from the Stamford Bridge outfit in the way of a formal offer.

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed up his words with actions by handing teenage sensation Cristiano Ronaldo the prized number seven shirt of David Beckham.

Ferguson has described the 18-year-old, who along with Brazilian World Cup winner Kleberson formed part of an �18million double swoop, as "one of the most exciting young players I have ever seen".

And, if living up to that lofty expectation was not hard enough, the Portuguese youngster will also find himself compared with the legendary figures who have worn Old Trafford's most coveted shirt, including Beckham, Bryan Robson and Eric Cantona.

Already there is huge expectation surrounding the youngster, who has cost United �12.24million, despite making just 25 first-team appearances for Sporting Lisbon.

The United staff who have seen him in action believe he could have as big an impact on the Premiership as fellow teenager Wayne Rooney and Ferguson admitted the Old Trafford squad pleaded with him to sign the striker following a 3-1 friendly defeat in Lisbon.