Manchester United at last getting rid of Glazers

The Red Knights' dreams of rescuing Manchester United from the grips of the Glazer family look to have come to a dead end.

It was expected the Red Knights group would launch a formal bid for the Old Trafford outfit at some point before the World Cup.

However, the Glazer family last week stated they had no intention of selling the club and previous claims the American owners had rejected a £1.5billion bid from a Far East consortium already seem to have led to a belief amongst the Red Knights that there is little point making a substantially lower offer that was also certain to be rejected.

"The Red Knights remain committed to pursuing their efforts to try and help bring ownership of Manchester United to its supporters, and under a structure with materially less debt," said a statement released on behalf of the group this morning.

"As we have maintained however since news of our ambitions first emerged in March, we will only attempt to purchase the club at a sensible price, consistent with the long-term interests of the club.

"Persistent speculation in the media of inflated valuation aspirations has made our goals less attainable, as potential investors have strongly reinforced our views that we should not move forward at a price uneconomic for the future of the club."

It effectively means the Red Knights will not move forward until they get an indication United would be sold for around £1billion, a sum they believe is realistic given current market conditions.

The news will come as a major disappointment to fans opposed to the current owners and those who have mounted a major campaign against them.

However, the likelihood is that the Manchester United Supporters Trust (MUST) will now call for a boycott of season tickets and other club merchandise in an effort to damage revenue streams and undermine the Glazers' business plan.

Whether this has any effect is another matter.

United chief executive David Gill recently claimed season ticket sales were roughly in line with previous years and the club's satellite London-based commercial arm recently topped £200million in new deals alone.

With American insurance giant Aon about to begin a four-year shirt sponsorship deal, there is no sign of a reduction of United's pulling power, even though they ended last term with only the Carling Cup as silverware, having missed out on both the Premier League and Champions League trophies.

Club officials have repeatedly stressed Sir Alex Ferguson has the funds to strengthen his squad this summer, although so far, the only arrivals are Mexican striker Javier Hernandez and Fulham defender Chris Smalling, both of whom have been bought with an eye on the future.

"We understand that many supporters were hoping that we might be in a position to make a bid before the season ticket renewal deadline," continued the Red Knights' statement.

"However, our approach is best served by long-term interests of all. We have never taken a stance on season ticket renewals, it is a personal choice for all supporters.

"We have spent some considerable time assessing the value of the club.

"If the fundamentals lead to a more realistic re-assessment then, along with our co-operation with MUST and other Manchester United supporters, we will aim to achieve our goals."

Mourinho ‘goes nuclear’ with £95m Rooney bid

Jose Mourinho hasn't barely got his feet under the desk at Real Madrid, but already the Special One is causing palpitations amongst the managers of some of Europe's biggest clubs as he goes after their stars.

Although he has yet to come out and say publicly who his targets are Mourinho has already been linked with Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Maicon - although he has played down the speculation.

Now the website caughtoffside.com is reporting that he could be about to 'go nuclear' and put in a world record £95m bid for Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be bound to experience some 'squeaky bum time' as he waits to see if the club's owners, the unpopular Glazer family, decide that the offer is too big to refuse and pull the carpet from under Ferguson's feet and force him to accept.

Whether Sir Alex would accept United selling their most valuable assets for two years running is another matter. But Mourinho is apparently hoping that the widely-reported financial difficulties at Old Trafford will influence Ferguson's difficult decision.

If Rooney was to do the unthinkable and up sticks to Madrid then Ferguson could try and replace him with Serbia's 19-year-old Barcelona frontman Bojan Krkic, who would cost him £12m. 

With a new look front line of Krkic and Javier Hernandez, Fergie could well favour souping up his underpowered midfield with the rest of his transfer kitty.

Brazilian midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso of Santos has been mooted as the man to help him do it, although intriguing whispers from the Mirror suggest it could also be the talented if injury prone Everton star Mikel Arteta.

England Final Squad for Worldcup 2010 Southafrica

England Squad:


Goalkeepers: David James (Portsmouth), Robert Green (West Ham), Joe Hart (Manchester City).
Defenders: Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Ledley King (Tottenham), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa).
Midfielders: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), James Milner (Aston Villa), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Gareth Barry (Manchester City).
Strikers: Peter Crouch (Tottenham), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham).

4 Reasons Why Rooney Wont be Leaving United this summer

Rooney is United, Rooney is for United, Rooney is Ever United





1. Rooney IS Manchester United, and is set to extend his contract after the World Cup.


2. He loves the life in England and has no desire to move to ’sunnier’ climes like other footballers.


3. He is already playing for a great club, it’s not like he needs to make the step up for his career.


4. Mourinho doesn’t want to mess around with Manchester United, given that he’s openly auditioning for a job as their next manager.

United Have £180mn for Transfers but Debts made it only £25mn Available

Manchester United have a staggering £180 million in their transfer coffers but the club have told investors that the kitty can be guaranteed only £25m each financial year.

United’s latest set of financial figures released last Friday revealed that the £80m Cristiano Ronaldo windfall has not yet been spent.

In a conference call to investors later that afternoon, United chief of staff Edward Woodward reiterated that the club’s guidance figure of £25m for net transfer spending remained valid.

Given that the Old Trafford club also have a further £75m credit facility available, in theory there is £180m available to spend on players, which would give Sir Alex Ferguson budget to rival Manchester City’s.

The reality, though, is somewhat different. The quarterly results for the period January to end of March 2010, which take in the first nine months of the financial year, showed that the Glazers are continuing to increase the debt burden on the club despite the healthy growth in matchday, media and commercial revenue.

Although the overall debt in the club has decreased from £543.3m year-on-year to £520m, it has increased by £12m since the Glazers took out a £500m bond in January to refinance what the club calls their “senior debt”.

The accounts of Red Football Ltd, United’s holding company, show a cash balance of £95.9m, but around £45m of it will be paid in interest. The figures also disclosed that the club lost £40.7m in a disastrous interest rate swap secured as part of a 2007 financing arrangement.

Digging deep? | Glazers could open up transfer funds

The greatest hindrance to United’s transfer plans could lie in the payment in kind (PIK) loans, which, although not revealed in the results posted by the football club, are estimated to have grown to £225m. They are due to increase to 16.25 per cent in August because of the firm’s high debts.

The fear of many United supporters is that the Glazers will dip in to the Ronaldo money to partially repay the PIK debt.

When the bond was issued, the club said that net spending would average £25m. During the current financial year, the net spend on players is £26.4m following the transfer last month of Ben Foster to Birmingham City.

This takes into account the purchases of Antonio Valencia, Gabriel Obertan, Mame Biriam Diouf, Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez but not the sale of Ronaldo, who moved to Real Madrid at the end of the 2008-09 financial year.

Given that Sir Alex Ferguson appears to have reached his limit for the current financial year, it suggests that any summer spending will come after June 30.

United Going for Higuain and Silva spending £60million in market

"ALEX FERGUSON will try to persuade Manchester United chiefs to spend big in the summer after their season dramatically fell apart.

The Old Trafford manager wants £60million - around twice as much as in recent seasons - to spend on Karim Benzema and David Silva.

He wants those two to underpin the 'tweaking' of a squad who crashed out of the FA Cup and Champions League, then seemingly handed the Premier League title to Chelsea with a tame draw at Blackburn.

But Fergie, 68, is always the last to panic and believes wholesale changes are NOT needed to get back on the trophy trail.

Owners, the Glazers, claim the money left over from the £80m sale of Cristiano Ronaldo is still there to finance deals.

If Fergie gets the go-ahead to splash the cash by debt-ridden United, he will make just a few minor, if expensive, adjustments.

The Scotsman, once told he would win nothing with kids, will trust again in the youth at Old Trafford with United's old guard ready to fall as one team evolves into another.

Rafael might be only 19 but has already proved what an excellent right-back he is, even if his inexperience cost him dearly in the second leg against Bayern Munich with a red card.

In Jonny Evans, 22, there is a ready made replacement for centre-half Rio Ferdinand who is having endless back problems.

Ferguson also has big plans for 20-year-old Chris Smalling who he bought from Fulham this season and loaned back to Roy Hodgson until the summer.

And while the jury is still out on Darron Gibson, the 22-year-old Irish midfielder is just starting to prove his worth.

Fergie has always loved to play with width and in Antonio Valencia, 24, and Nani, 23, he has players who can provide that in abundance.

He snatched a then 18-year-old Wayne Rooney from Everton because he knew what his explosive talents could bring and that is why he will hunt down long-term target Benzema.

Ferguson tried for Benzema, 22, this season but lost out when the striker chose arch European rivals Real Madrid who snatched him for around £35m.

Although Benzema has scored eight goals this campaign his face does not seem to fit at the Bernabeu and United could get him for a 'cut-price' £25m.

Valencia winger Silva, 24, also remains on his hit-list and the struggling Spanish club could do with the £35m he will generate.

The old head of keeper Edwin van der Sar, 39, will survive another season but club captain Gary Neville, 35, is heading for retirement in the summer.

Paul Scholes will also admit at 35 his days of bossing games from midfield are in the past.

Ferguson once went three years without a pot and responded with a hat-trick of titles and a European Cup.

Now he will aim to prove once more his best years at the very top are not in his past."

Man United plan summer move for Everton star

Manchester United are ready to make an audacious swoop for Mikel Arteta.

The classy Everton midfielder is currently involved in contract talks with his Merseyside club, but has so far yet to make any progress in negotiations.

And now Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to test the water with an inquiry to see if his friend David Moyes would be willing to sell.

Arteta still has two years left on his current Goodison deal, but progress in negotiations has been slow, and the Spaniard is aware of other interest from the likes of United, Arsenal and Manchester City.

He is loyal to Everton and has a good relationship with boss Moyes, but at 28 he would like the chance to play in the Champions League and push his international claims.

United boss Fergie holds too much respect for his Everton counterpart Moyes and would never try to steal the player away.

But if Everton do decide that they can’t persuade the midfielder to commit his long-term future then they would be interested, especially if the price was right at about £10million.

Arsenal already see Arteta as a possible replacement should Cesc Fabregas leave, and City have made no admiration for the midfielder.

Everton don’t want to sell and still believe the Spaniard will sign a new deal, and officials at Goodison would be massively reluctant to do any business with City after the bad taste left by Joleon Lescott’s move to Eastlands last summe

£25million price tag for David De Gea

Chelsea and Manchester United target, goalkeeper David De Gea, has been valued at £25million by his club Athletico Madrid.

The 19 year old is wanted by the Premier League giants who may have been put off by such a demanding transfer fee.

De Gea won his first ever European medal this season, as Athletico beat Fulham in the Europa League final.

2009/10 was seen as a breakthrough year for the youngster and he was awarded a place in the 30 man provisional Spanish World Cup squad, but didn't make the cut of 23.

Sergio Asenjo started the season as the first choice 'keeper for Athletico but lost his place to De Gea after the club swapped managers.

Asenjo's arrival at the club last summer prompted Madrid - at the time - to make De Gea available for transfer, with Stoke City turning down a £1.4million option to buy him.

Tony Pulis will live to regret that decision as his value has risen above the £20milllion mark after Carlo Ancelotti and Sir Alex Ferguson enquired about his services in the last few days.

Aon the new Sponsor of Manchester United

Manchester United and Aon launched the start of a four-year sponsorship deal at Old Trafford on Tuesday 1 June. ManUtd.com caught up with Aon president and chief executive Greg Case to get the lowdown on the club's new principal sponsor...

It’s almost a year to the day since the deal was first announced. You’ve been waiting a long time for this…We could barely be more excited. Walking into Old Trafford to officially begin the partnership was such an incredible thrill. We’ve done a lot of work over the last year, working together with our friends from Manchester United, to get to this stage, but there’s no substitute for the real thing. Nothing prepares you for the sight of Aon and Old Trafford combining together – the hairs on the back of my neck stood up when I walked into this incredible, iconic stadium. It’s a big thrill.

Why Manchester United?
Manchester United is the number one club in the number one sport in the world. It has 90 per cent brand recognition in China, which is incredible. It has 100 per cent in Korea, 90 per cent in Latin America… and everyone knows just how big United is in England and Europe. That kind of brand recognition is simply unmatched, so that’s why this is such a great opportunity for Aon to get involved.

And what about Aon’s credentials?
We work with more companies – big companies, medium-sized companies and small companies – in the area of risk than any other insurance firm in the world. We help companies understand risk, prevent risk and deal with risk… in Chile, for example, we’re currently putting more companies back on their feet than anyone else in the world. Where there’s trauma in the world we help companies recover from that trauma, and we do more of that sort of work than anybody else. Whether it’s insuring a cup of coffee or making sure some of the biggest companies in the world understand risk, Aon is there. 

Just how attractive is the chance to advertise on United’s shirts?
We see it as very unique. As I’ve already outlined, Manchester United’s brand recognition and market penetration is unrivalled around the world. So when you marry that with Aon’s local presence – we’re in 120 countries – we feel it’s a very, very strong partnership.

Were there ever any doubts during the tender process? Or is this the sort of opportunity you’d be mad to turn down?
We were obviously very excited initially and we felt very privileged that we were one of the few companies the club invited to pitch for this sponsorship. We know Manchester United invested a lot of time and money into doing their research on the companies they felt they could potentially work with. But we also did a lot of our own investigating. And I have to say, every stone we turned over, every new piece of information that came to light… they all reaffirmed the power of Manchester United and the potential this partnership could have. Now we hope to fulfil that potential.

Is there more to Aon’s involvement than shirt sponsorship?
Absolutely. We’re also investing in communities all around the world. At Old Trafford on Tuesday we had people taking penalty kicks for charity, raising money for The Christie cancer facility in Manchester. Meanwhile, in 120 countries around the world, Aon staff are investing back into the local communities. We’ve got more than 500 offices and each one has picked their own charity to support during our time with Manchester United.


Have charitable projects always been part of Aon’s vision?
We operate out of more than 500 offices around the world, so we like to think of Aon as a very local firm, as well as a global firm. And part of the Aon legacy has always been to invest back into the communities. With this partnership with Manchester United we want to continue to uphold that ethic and get out there and make a difference. It’s one of the great things about this deal – we’re looking forward to continuing what we’ve always done, but doing it alongside Manchester United, which is the biggest name in global sport. I'm sure a lot of good will come out of this.

For more information on the Aon Manchester United sponsorship, visitwww.aon.com/unitedin2010

Manchester United Consider Move for £12m Barcelona Star Bojan

Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly interested in signing Barcelona starlet this summer as he looks to strengthen his attacking options. The Manchester United boss is apparently ready to make an offer for the £12m rated teenager and hopes that he can tempt the Catalan giants into selling a player who is something of a cult hero at the Nou Camp.

The 19 year old attacker has found first team opportunities limited over the past season and may feel that the time is right to make a move from the La Liga title holders now that Pepe Guardiola has signed up David Villa last week.

Manchester United are keen to bring in attacking alternatives to help share Wayne Rooney’s burden. Michael Owen’s constant injury woes and Dimitar Berbatov’s poor form have left Ferguson relying too much on his England international goal machine.

Bojan only managed 16 starts last season but managed to impressively net 12 goals in all competitions.

New Manchester United Away Kit… Not Good

Another Marmite kit for next season. I think it’s dated and lacking even a scintilla of style (the new sponsor’s logo is terrible too), but… I might change my mind when I see it on Wazza’s back.

What say you – hit or shit?

United will fight City for Paulo Henrique Ganso's signature

Manchester United representatives have made contact with Santos about young midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso. 

Manchester City are believed to have first refusal on the 20-year-old as a result of the deal struck over City's on loan striker Robinho. However, City's option will expire when that loan ends on August 4. 

Joe Cole Near to sign United

LONDON, May 30: Manchester United have signed Mexican striker Javier Hernandez from Chivas of Guadalajara for £8m and centre-back Chris Smalling from Fulham for £12m – and Chelsea’s England forward Joe Cole could be next on the list.

But this does not mean that United are splashing the cash. Quite the opposite. United’s reported interest in the England forward may be a sign that the Glazer family are continuing to play careful with their money . . . because Cole would be available on a free transfer since his contract with Chelsea is coming to an end.

Chelsea, apparently, have not contacted Cole or his representatives about a contract extension as the 28-year-old had hoped. He is seeking a pay rise to £100,000-a-week and though the club is said to have been prepared earlier to pay ‘only’ £80,000 even that offer has been withdrawn.

This knowledge has prompted interest from United as well as from Tottenham whose manager, Harry Redknapp, oversaw Cole’s emergence as a teenager at West Ham. However the fact that United are interested in Cole, just as they signed Michael Owen on a free transfer last year from Newcastle, has added to speculation about the Glazers’ reluctance to buy big.

United have just announced losses of £69m in the first three months of the year thought chief executive David Gill has continued to suggest that transfer funds will be available for manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Also, the latest accounts indicate that United have cash reserves of £95m which might be available for team strengthening.

Other targets

But with Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs growing ever older and no guarantees yet over the fitness of Owen Hargreaves, Ferguson may feel he needs to save up whatever he can for a new midfielder. He also knows he may need to spend more money on defence if the unsettled Nemanja Vidic finally leaves for Spanish football.

It is a sign of the times that Scholes and veteran defender Gary Neville, both now 35, are considering joining the coaching staff when they end their playing careers, possibly at the end of next season.

Meanwhile, any prospect of the Red Knights group of wealthy fans coming to the “financial rescue” with a buy-out offer which the Glazers could not refuse is receding.

No offer has yet been made or appears even imminent. Gill has always been sceptical about the prospect of a serious offer. The Sunday Times reports today that the Glazers' valuation of the club at £1.5bn has deterred a number of the consortium members.

Manchester United near to sign Joe Cole for a Free

Manchester United are reportedly frontrunners in the race to sign Chelsea  midfielder Joe Cole.

The creative playmaker has had trouble coming to an agreement with the Blues over a new contract, with his current deal set to run out on July 1. This has prompted the 28-year-old to be linked with moves to a clutch of clubs.

Now the Daily Mail reports that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has offered Cole a contract to ply his trade at Old Trafford next term, amidst interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus.

The former West Ham United player has in the past maintained that he is entirely focussed on making the final 23-man squad for the 2010 World Cup and then giving his best shot for the Three Lions in South Africa.

Manchester United Owners Set for Panorama Treatment: Glazers Set for Probe

Manchester United finances under Glazers to be subject of BBC Panorama investigation
Manchester United’s finances under the ownership of the Glazer family, the club’s £712 million debt and the £80 million raised by the 2009 sale of Cristiano Ronaldo are set to be the subject of an investigation by Panorama, the BBC current affairs programme.

United, who are due to announce quarterly financial results on Friday as a condition of the club’s £500 million bond issue, have yet to co-operate with the programme makers ahead of the proposed screening date of June 7.
But with manager Sir Alex Ferguson having not spoken to the BBC since accusing the corporation of “breathtaking arrogance” following a 2004 Panorama expose into the alleged business dealings of his son, Jason, the programme is unlikely to soothe relations.

Although the investigation is understood to be based on a broad theme of football club ownership and the game’s financial health, the situation surrounding the Glazers and attempts by the Red Knights to launch a supporter-backed takeover bid for United are believed to form the main thrust of the programme.
Despite the Glazer family’s consistently-stated determination to resist any takeover bid, supporter groups behind the green-and-gold anti-Glazer campaign continue to claim that the Americans’ business interests in their home country, which include nationwide shopping malls and real estate, are suffering as a result of the economic downturn.
Those claims, and suggestions that United’s income is being used to service the club’s debt, are understood to form part of the Panorama investigation. (Telegraph)

Now I am sure I am not the only one who hopes that the BBC programme digs some serious dirt on the Glazers but whether or not a televisual feast of embarrassments will have any effect on whether the Manchester United owners decide to leave is another matter.

Clearly the level of debt the club has been saddled with since the Americans arrived is mind boggling and hopefully the programme will try to get to the meat of that debt and present their findings in a manner that is easy to understand.

You see when we, the football fans, see that a club has amassed debts of £712m its hard to quite work out how this has happened. Its clear that the Glazers purchased the club with loans that they then have made the club pay the interest on but I would be interested to know how their previous debts with other ventures has been tied into the club, as these could be the types of problem that take decades to resolve.

Anyway, should be a programme not to be missed!

Jose Mourinho wants to coach Rooney

Jose Mourinho has admitted he would like to coach Wayne Rooney, but says his dream will not come to fruition.

The Portuguese tactician guided Inter Milan to a remarkable treble last season, clinched by their UEFA Champions League final victory overBayern Munich.

But he is set to be named the new manager of Real Madrid next week, following the departure ofManuel Pellegrini.

The soon-to-be Los Merengues boss has already revealed he would love Liverpool and Chelsea midfielders Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard to join him at Madrid, and has now shown his admiration for Rooney.

However, Mourinho admits Manchester Unitedmanager Sir Alex Ferguson would never let the star forward leave Old Trafford.

"I'll say it is impossible," he told AS.

"I would like to coach Rooney but my friend Ferguson can rest easy - it is impossible."

Manchester United is not For Sale

United 'not for sale'

Statement from the Manchester United Board:

"The Board notes recent press speculation regarding a possible bid for Manchester United.

"The owners remain fully committed to their long-term ownership of the club. Manchester United is not for sale and the owners will not entertain any offers."

Man UTd to beat Arsenal in Eden Hazard

United have been linked with a spate of big names, but few sound quite as flamboyant and interesting as Eden Hazard. But, rather than some utopian menace, the 19-year-old is actually a tricky Belgian. The talented Lille winger is France's reigning young player of the year and has allegedly caught the eye of United and Arsenal, according to Caughtoffside. The nominated fee is £13million, and personally I hope we pay it, if only for the headline potential.

SAF You have money to spend at Transfer Market :David Gill

Gill: Sir Alex is not restricted financially

It is five years ago this month that David Gill led the final doomed boardroom stand at Manchester United against the Glazer family's takeover. He was the chief executive who went overnight from running a business that was debt-free to one that now supports £504m of the total £716m debt that the American owners borrowed in order to buy the club. Five years later, three Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy down the road, the Glazers are still reviled by the most vocal elements of the club's support, most notably the fans who wear the green and gold of Newton Heath in protest. Gill, once the hero of the supporters' groups for standing up to the Glazers, now finds himself a target for their anger.  In his most detailed interview yet, the man at the centre of United and the controversial Glazer regime spoke exclusively to The Independent about why he thinks United can still prosper. "The money is there," insists Gill. "People say Alex is saying that because he has to. Anyone who knows Alex Ferguson knows he wouldn't say that if he didn't mean what he said. The money is definitely there. The results for the quarter ending 31 March will show the figures are about £95m cash. We are not in a situation whereby Alex is restricted in what he wants to do with the club and his modus operandi as a manager. We have never said: "You can't do that, we have to pay interest [on the debt]." I can look you in the eye and say that. He would say exactly the same thing. People don't believe it. We never said to him: "You can't go for that player because he's too much."
Sam Wallace, The Independent

All the papers report that United have completed the deal to sign Javier Hernandez after the Mexico striker was granted a work permit. His transfer from Chivas will now through on July 1 as revealed on ManUtd.com on Thursday.

Source: Manutd.com

Manchester United Express Interest In £18 Barcelona Midfielder Yaya Toure

Manchester United are reportedly considering making an offer for Barcelona defensive midfielder Yaya Toure. The Ivorian has struggled to retain a place in the Nou Camp starting line up due to Pepe Guardiola’s decision to turn to youngster Sergio Busquets on a more regular basis and this has left the former Monaco man to consider his future at the Catalan giants.

Sir Alex Ferguson could well do with a solid central midfielder after seeing Owen Hargreaves spend the best part of two seasons out injured. His other options have also suffered severe dips in form with Anderson and Michael Carrick both having very average seasons last term. The likes of Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes continue to be consistent performers but neither are out and out battlers who actively seek to break down opposition attacks, which is what Toure does best.

An added bonus would be the fact that the 27 year old is also a very adept centre back, as he proved in the 2009 Champions League Final against Man United. Arsenal and Manchester City have both been linked with a move for the battling powerhouse.

The £18m rated Barca man will have to think long and hard about any offers for his services this summer and if he puts in a good World Cup the speculation may increase even further. Yaya will surely not be happy to warm the bench in this period of his career and would surely be interested in a move to Old Trafford.

Chicharito granted work permit

Manchester United is pleased to announce that Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez has been granted a work permit and will join the club on 1 July 2010.
  The Reds agreed a fee with Chivas de Guadalajara for the Mexico striker last month, but were required to apply for the permit because he has played in less than 75 per cent of his country's fixtures over the last two years.

Chicharito, who has already passed a medical and agreed personal terms, will join United's squad on the Philadelphia leg of July's pre-season trip to the USA and Canada.

Whether the 22-year-old makes his debut in that game will depend on how far Mexico progress in the World Cup. But he'll definitely be involved in the friendly United will play to open the new 45,000-capacity Chivas Stadium in Guadalajara at the end of July.

Chicharito was a second-half substitute in his country's 3-1 defeat by England on Monday, before scoring in a 2-1 reversal against the Netherlands on Wednesday.

Mexico complete their World Cup preparations with friendlies against Gambia and Italy in the next week, then kick off the tournament against hosts South Africa on 11 June.

Wayne Rooney in Action

Manchester United Plan To Cite Javi Hernandez's 'Exceptional Ability' To Seal Work Permit For Striker

United to highlight Javier Hernandez talent
Manchester United will cite Mexican forward Javier Hernandez as an 'exceptional talent' when they plead their case to the Football Association in an effort to secure a work permit for the 21 year-old this week. Although United have agreed a £7 million deal with Chivas Guadalajara for Hernandez, the club must convince the FA, charged by the Home Office with administering the process, to grant a certificate of sponsorship in order to endorse his application. Hernandez, a second-half substitute in Monday's 3-1 defeat by England, has yet to be awarded a permit due to his failure to play in 75 per cent of Mexico's fixtures over the last two years. Although Hernandez has been described as Mexico's brightest talent for a generation, United are mindful their application is not guaranteed to be successful. To secure a work permit, United must convince the FA panel that Hernandez is an elite player who could not be recruited within the European Union for a similar valuation

Valencia Warned Manchester United: Silva Not for Sale

Manchester United and Real Madrid have been told to keep their hands off David Villa by Valencia, who have insisted that the midfielder is not for sale.

The 24-year-old was reported as being available for sale for £30 million but it appears now that Valencia are set on keeping the Spain star.

Silva himself recently admitted that a move to thePremier League greatly appealed to him, with United seemingly his favoured destination.

However, Valencia president Manuel LLorente has insisted that the player, who helped the club to third place in La Liga last season, is going nowhere.

"He will not leave," Llorente told The Sun.

Manchester United Going to Buy 'New Kaka' Paulo Henrique

Paulo Henrique Lima (Ganso) - Santos

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Santos prodigy Paulo Henrique, according to The Mirror.

The talented youngster has been dubbed ‘the new Kaka’ and is being chased by a host of European clubs including United, Bayern Munich, Juventus and both Milan clubs.

Sir Alex Ferguson has said that he is only looking to add one or two players to his squad this summer but with his preference to bring in young players with potential for the future, Henrique could prove to be an attractive option for the United manager.

The 20-year-old was tipped to be included in Dunga’s Brazil squad for the World Cup, after scoring 11 goals in 20 league appearances, but he failed to make the final cut for South Africa.

Santos president Alvaro Luis Ribeiro insists that the player is not for sale this summer but it remains to be seen whether the lure of one of Europe’s top sides will be too much for Henrique to resist.

Man Utd Ready to bid £46 for Ibrahimovic

With David Villa having signed for Barcelona, Spanish daily ‘Sport’ claims that Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be sold for around 50 million Euros to either Manchester United or Manchester City .

Villa’s move to the Nou Camp from Valencia was confirmed yesterday and the striker is expected to be an automatic first choice striker at the Nou Camp, having consistently been one of Spain’s top scorers over the past few seasons.

The move brings into question the future of Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Barcelona. On paper, Ibrahimovic has enjoyed a good first season in Spain, scoring 20 goals in 41 appearances for Barcelona since his high profile move from Inter Milan last summer. However, his performances have been criticised by the notoriously 

 harsh Spanish media.

‘Sport’ speculates that Ibrahimovic wants to stay and prove himself at Barcelona and that the club are happy for him to do so, unless they receive a bid of around 50 million Euros, with the Manchester clubs in prime position. Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini knows Ibrahimovic well from his time at Inter Milan and is assumed to be looking to boost his attacking options. Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson will likely look to add some firepower in order to relieve Wayne Rooney of the goalscoring burden at Manchester United .

Both sides are rumoured to be looking to offload strikers this summer, possibly making further room for Ibrahimovic. Dimitar Berbatov’s future at Manchester United has been in doubt for some time, while Craig Bellamy has been linked with an Eastlands exit as he apparently does not see eye to eye with Mancini. (IMScouting)

Daniele De Rossi moving to Old Trafford for £38million

Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly weighing up a potential big money bid for Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi this summer. The Manchester United boss will have seen that local rivals City have been strongly linked with the battling Italian and the Old Trafford manager knows that he could well do with a bit of steel in his midfield and may make a move for the 26 year old.

Having seen Owen Hargreaves return from injury but still not convinced the England international will have returned a different player to the one he invested a great deal of time and money chasing, Ferguson has been looking for players to play in the centre of his Man United midfield.

With Paul Scholes nearing the end of his glittering career, and with Anderson and Michael Carrick both coming off the back of very average campaigns, the club could do with a new addition and De Rossi is a top quality player who is in many ways two types of players in one.

Never afraid to put in a tackle, but fortunately more able to do so successfully than Scholes, the Rome born man is also able to steer his side towards goal and has the ability to score his fair share of crucial corkers. The valuation of the World Cup bound De Rossi could however be something of a problem. Roma are reportedly pricing their player at a rather inflated £38m which could well scare off any interest in the player, which may well be Claudio Ranieri’s intention.

Fergie has last chance to move Spanish ace to Old Trafford

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to take on Real Madrid in the race to sign Valencia midfielder David Silva. Real Madrid were reportedly close to a deal for the Spanish international but it emerged yesterday evening that Ferguson is considering launching an offer to tempt the player to Old Trafford.

The 24-year-old is ready to quit Valencia and challenge for major European honours with the wideman being linked with Chelsea, Barcelona, and Liverpool in the past few months, however Real Madrid and Manchester United are now considered the front – runners to land the tricky winger. 

Real Madrid made contact with Valencia last week regarding the availability of Silva with the Spanish media reporting that Madrid chiefs would secure a deal in the coming weeks, however reports this morning suggest that the door is still open for Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to make an approach. Fergie is a keen admirer of Silva and has tracked him for the last year, but Ferguson has warned that he will not pay over the odds for player’s in the transfer market, and admitted he was only looking at making one addition to the Red Devils squad.

Sergio Aguero priced at £52m

Hot shot: Atletico striker Sergio Aguero (left) scored in Argentina's 5-0 win over Canada on Monday

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo expects star striker Sergio Aguero to be at the club next season despite continual transfer speculation surrounding the Argentinian. 

Most of Europe's top clubs have been linked with Aguero over the last year or so, most notably Chelsea and Manchester clubs United and City, but Atletico have managed to keep hold of their prized asset, whose contract buy-out clause is £52m.   

There is sure to be more rumours about the 21-year-old this summer, but Cerezo is optimistic the former Independiente player will still be with the Europa League champions next term.   

'He has a contract with us, we want him to stay and he is happy here. Only if someone comes in to pay his buy-out clause would we then have to see what he decides...I would be surprised if he wasn't here next season,' said Cerezo on his club's website.   

He added: 'It's not in our plans to sell any player who is important to us.'