Manchester United Fans Site

Cavani not United bound

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Mon, 4 Jul 2011 03:48:00 -0700

ESPN-Edinson Cavani will not be moving to Manchester United this summer, according to the player's Italian representative.

Despite a recent contract extension tying him to Napoli for another five years, Cavani is still one of Europe's most sought-after strikers, causing Aurelio De Laurentiis, his club president, to claim the Uruguayan was worth "over €100 million".
And though that may have been a ploy aimed at the likes of Manchester United, Claudio Anelucci believes there is no threat of his client joining the Premier League champions: "This is the time of year when it is normal to hear talk of transfers to big clubs for astronomical fees," he told Radio Sportiva.
"The majority of the time there is nothing to them, as is the case with regards to a possible move to Manchester United for Edinson."

Kagawa cools United link

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Mon, 4 Jul 2011 03:47:00 -0700

ESPN-Shinji Kagawa has stressed his commitment to Borussia Dortmund, cooling rumours of a move to Manchester United.

Kagawa, 22, has been linked with a transfer to the Red Devils following some fine performances for his Bundesliga club.
The Japan international joined Dortmund from Cerezo Osaka last year and he scored eight goals in 17 league matches during his debut campaign.
"I can only say that in Dortmund I have found a wonderful place to play football and I just feel comfortable here," Kawaga told German daily the Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung.
"I must, for my part, first of all work on getting back into the Dortmund team, I have no time to waste on other things."
Kagawa did admit that he could in the future be persuaded to join a side boasting the lure of Champions League football.
"If you look at the Champions League football on television, you see some really great clubs," he said. "It gives you a lot to think about and a lot of possibilities open up."

Ole: I want to succeed Sir Alex

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Mon, 4 Jul 2011 03:41:00 -0700

ESPN-Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has declared his interest in succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United's manager.

Solskjaer is best remembered for the 91 goals he scored during his time at the club - including the winner in the 1999 Champions League final - and is a firm favourite with the club's fans.
He told talkSPORT: "I think if you ask any Man United player at any time of his career if you want to manage somewhere you want to manage Man United, because it's the best place to be.
"But to get there, to manage Man United, you need to go somewhere else and learn your trade so 15, 20 years from now maybe. I think if you ask any Man United player at any time of his career if you want to manage somewhere you want to manage Man United."
Solskjaer also took the time to contribute to the club versus country debate, declaring: "Wes Brown and Dimitar Berbatov are among a host of players who have been criticised for prematurely calling time on their international careers this year.
"When you get players who get to a certain age they start thinking about where the priorities should lie and I think that's when your responsibility towards your club is a big thing.
"I think Scholesy, Giggsy they've done fantastic after retiring from international football so we can't complain about that."
Solskjaer retired in 2007 after struggling with injury towards the end of his career.

Cech: De Gea signing a 'huge gamble'

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Mon, 4 Jul 2011 03:37:00 -0700

ESPN-Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has questioned the wisdom of Sir Alex Ferguson signing David De Gea as a replacement for Edwin van der Sar.

Following Van der Sar's decision to hang up his gloves at the end of last season, Ferguson handed over a fee in the region of £18 million to Atletico Madrid for De Gea.
The 20-year-old stopper won the Europa League and the UEFA Super Cup with Atletico, but has not won a senior cap for Spain - and the suspicion remains that he is yet to be tested at the very highest level.
Now Cech has ramped up the pressure on De Gea by recalling the trouble Ferguson had replacing Peter Schmeichel, who was unconvincingly succeeded by the likes of Massimo Taibi, Fabien Barthez and Roy Carroll.
"It's a huge advantage for Manchester United to have a goalkeeper who is 20 because he can stay for many years," Cech told Sky Sports News.
"It's a huge gamble at the same time because he's joining, historically, a very successful club with great [former] goalkeepers like Peter Schmeichel, Edwin van der Sar, and we all remember how many years it took to replace Peter Schmeichel.
"So let's see what is going to happen now Edwin van der Sar has retired because it's a huge task to fill the boots of Van der Sar."

De Gea proud of 'important' United move

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Mon, 4 Jul 2011 03:27:00 -0700

ESPN-Manchester United have signed David De Gea from Atletico Madrid for a fee in the region of £18 million, with the Spanish goalkeeper describing the move as an "important step" in his career.
De Gea, 20, has signed a five-year deal with the Premier League champions to become Edwin van der Sar's successor. He joins Phil Jones and Ashley Young in moving to Old Trafford to take Sir Alex Ferguson's spending to £50 million this month.

The move comes just four days after De Gea helped Spain's Under-21 side win the European Championship in Denmark and he admitted his delight at sealing the switch to Old Trafford.

"I feel very proud and I can't wait to start playing here," De Gea told MUTV. "When a club the size of Manchester United comes in for you it obviously makes you very, very happy.

"I saw their interest as an extra motivation to work even harder to show off my ability. It's a great privilege to be part of a club like United and I'm keen to do my best and show what I can do."

De Gea won the Europa League and the European Super Cup with Atletico, but he is yet to win a senior cap for Spain with the tough competition of Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina and Victor Valdes ahead of him in the pecking order.

However, the young 'keeper had been well-established as Atletico's No. 1 for some time, and insisted that he will always be grateful the role the Rojiblancos played in launching his career.

"Atletico Madrid made an offer to renew my contract in September or October and I said that I wouldn't study it until the Under-21 European Championships finished and do it with a little more calm,'' De Gea said. "In these cases it's important that your family advise you and they've done that.

"Atletico have always fought for me. I've always felt wanted, but the main reason for my going is that I want to play at Manchester (United). Manchester United are one of the best clubs in the world and it's an important step in my career. I'm going to do as well as possible there and try to succeed.''

De Gea, who has long been linked with a move to United, added: "There have been many rumours these last few months about if I had gone there or not, but the truth is that last week there was contact from Manchester United to Atletico Madrid saying that they would like me to visit their facilities and present an offer to me.

"I decided to go with my family and study the offer and see everything and that's when I decided. They have very good facilities. It's one of the best clubs in the world and I'm going there to continue growing as a player and as a person, and for that it's a perfect club.

"Atletico made an effort (to keep me), but my family and I have taken this decision. I want to thank everybody who has had faith in me and the fans who have always supported me since I was young. I will always carry Atleti in my heart.''

Nani to stay at United

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 23:11:00 -0700

ESPN-Manchester United winger Nani will not be forced out of the club by the arrival of £17 million Ashley Young, contrary to reports.

Nani topped the assists chart in the Premier League last season, and he was voted United's Players' Player of the Year. However, as the season neared a climax, the Portugal international increasingly found himself on the bench for big games, culminating in the Champions League final loss to Barcelona.
With Antonio Valencia producing the best form of his career upon return from serious injury, there is a feeling of three not fitting into two following the signing of Young from Aston Villa.
Park Ji-sung, the man who took Nani's place against Barcelona at Wembley, also declared on Friday that he has no intention of leaving Old Trafford, so Sir Alex Ferguson finds himself with a plethora of options for his wide positions.
Nani has been linked in the media with a move away from United, with Real Madrid a mooted destination. The player fanned flames over a possible move when stating recently: "I am fine at Manchester United, but it is good to hear there are other clubs interested. Would I like to work under [Jose] Mourinho? Yes, but at this moment I am fine at Manchester United."
However, sources close to Old Trafford are now stating that the 24-year-old will fight for his place, having just enjoyed his best season at the club, yielding 10 goals.
Ferguson is expected to seek a meeting with Nani in the near future to assure the winger of his place in the United squad, as the Red Devils attempt to win a 20th Premier League crown.
Money will need to be generated from somewhere though, with United expected to take their spending past £50 million with the purchase of David De Gea, but it is believed Wes Brown and Darron Gibson are closest to the exit door.

Valencia: I don't fear Young competition

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 04:14:00 -0700

ESPN-Antonio Valencia has welcomed the arrival of Ashley Young at Manchester United, with the Ecuador winger insisting he has no intention of leaving the club.

Sir Alex Ferguson continued his summer shopping on Thursday when wrapping up the deal to bring Young to Old Trafford from Aston Villa.
The arrival of the England international has prompted suggestions that Valencia, who performed well towards the end of last season after battling back from serious injury, could be vulnerable.
But while Valencia is aware of the challenge he faces, he insists it is one that he will take on with relish.
"I heard about this on the news," Valencia said. "I do not fear his arrival. "The season is long and under Alex Ferguson everyone will get their chance in United's key matches.
"Ashley is a good footballer and I believe he will help us towards more success. As for myself, I have two more seasons left at United and I am convinced I will fulfil those. And maybe a few more years too."
Commenting on reports linking him with Real Madrid and Juventus, he said: "There are rumours about other clubs but I have no news on that."

United target opts for Real Madrid

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 04:05:00 -0700

EUROSPORT-Highly-rated Lens defender Raphael Varane, reportedly a Manchester United target, is set to join Real Madrid, the club's president has confirmed.

Gervais Martel of Lens, who were relegated from Ligue 1 this season, revealed the deal had been agreed for the 18-year-old at a meeting with his team's supporters.
Martel told the supporters that the club's survival in the top flight would have made no difference to whether Varane remained with Lens.
He did not confirm the transfer fee, though United had been linked with a £10m move for him earlier in the transfer window.
"Even if Lens had stayed in Ligue 1," Martel explained, "Raphael Varane would have left because he is a phenomenon!
"He is going to play for Real Madrid under the leadership of Jose Mourinho who he has already met, just as he has Zinedine Zidane (advisor to the Real president).
"Raphael is an exceptional boy. I am proud that he is going to don the Real colours!
"He has been pursued by Real for the past two months, he was welcomed by Real and he visited their facilities. He told me: 'I cannot turn down such an opportunity!'."
"Letting him leave is not about the money," Martel added.
"I must allow him to pursue his career. He is going to a club which has huge sporting ambitions. I am certain he will earn his place there."

Young targets 20th title for United

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 04:03:00 -0700

EUROSPORT-New Manchester United signing Ashley Young is already targeting the club's 20th league title after agreeing a five-year deal at Old Trafford.

The England international, 26 next month, passed a medical in Manchester and the formalities of the transfer, reported to be worth anything between £16 million and £20 million, from Aston Villa were completed within 24 hours.
He becomes United's second signing of the summer, following Blackburn's England Under-21 international Phil Jones after he was signed for £16.5 million almost a fortnight ago.
"The opportunity to come and play for one of the biggest clubs in the world is one I couldn't turn down," Young told MUTV.
"It's a chance to hopefully become part of the history by helping to win the 20th title.
"It's a prospect I always looked at from being a child - to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"I've got that opportunity now so I've just got to take it with two hands."

Park Ji-Sung ponders Man Utd exit

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 20:17:00 -0700

ESPN-Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung believes he doesn't have long left at Old Trafford and would consider a move to another club in the next couple of years.

Park, 30, has won the Champions League and four Premier League titles during his six-years at United but does not know how long he has left at the top level.
The South Korean's contract expires at the end of the 2011-12 season and he has recently been linked with a move to La Liga duo Sevilla and Atletico.
Park, who quit international football following the 2011 Asian Cup to help extend his club career, says he has no immediate desire to leave Manchester but would like to play for another club before he retires.
"I won't be able to show my best after one or two years. I don't know how long I can stay at Manchester," Park is quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror. "I never thought about retirement but it's obvious that I don't have much time left as a player."
"According to circumstances, I might leave Manchester United and retire in another team," he added.
Park joined United in a £4 million deal from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in 2005 and has been a huge success in England.

Kagawa in Dortmund talks

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:38:00 -0700

ESPN-Reported Manchester United target Shinji Kagawa has opened talks over a new deal with Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund.

United have sent scouts to watch Kagawa on a number of occasions but the Japan international, who joined Dortmund from J-League side Cerezo Osaka last summer and is contracted until 2013, is happy to stay in Germany.
"Shinji Kagawa is able to imagine staying on at Borussia Dortmund," the 22-year-old's agent told Bild. "We have even had a first round of talks with Dortmund general manager Michael Zorc with regard to a new contract."
"Shinji is actually contracted to Borussia Dortmund and he likes the club. He is absolutely looking forward to playing in front of the exciting Signal Iduna Park crowd in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League in the new season."
The attacking midfielder scored eight goals in 17 games last term before a foot injury sustained at the Asian Cup in January saw him sidelined for almost the entire second half of the campaign.

Young deal close for Manchester United

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:25:00 -0700

ESPN-Aston Villa's Ashley Young is on the verge of completing a move to Manchester United after undergoing a medical at the club's training complex in Carrington.

The England winger, who has already agreed personal terms with the Premier League champions, travelled north to have his medical examination on Wednesday and is expected to sign for £15 million.
The 25-year-old is believed to have turned down a new contract at Villa Park in favour of a move to Old Trafford and, should the deal be completed, Young will become United's second summer signing following the arrival of defender Phil Jones from Blackburn Rovers in a £16.5 million move.
Sir Alex Ferguson's spending spree is gathering pace, with David de Gea set to join from Atletico Madrid upon returning from the Under-21 European Championships - where he is on duty with Spain.

Valencia named in Ecuador squad

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 22:02:00 -0700

MANUTD-Antonio Valencia has been named in Ecuador's 2011 Copa America squad.

The competition begins in Argentina on 1 July, and Valencia is the star name in coach Reinaldo Rueda's 23-man party.
Ecuador, who have never won the Copa America, have been handed a tough draw, alongside Brazil, Paraguay and Venezuela in Group B.Valencia and his compatriots open their tournament against Paraguay on 3 July, then meet Venezuela on 9 July before rounding off the group stage against Brazil on 13 July.
The top two teams from three groups, plus the two third-placed finishers with the highest points total all advance into the quarter-final stage.

Reds duo down after late exit

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:58:00 -0700

MANUTD-United duo Danny Welbeck and Chris Smalling have spoken of their disappointment at England's exit from the UEFA European Under-21 Championships.

Stuart Pearce's side were a matter of minutes from qualification for the semi-finals after Welbeck had put England ahead in their final group game against the Czech Republic.
But the Czechs drew level in the 89th minute through Jan Chramosta, before Tomas Pekhart netted a winner in injury time to send them through and put England out.
"I don't know how we're going out after that performance," said a stunned Welbeck afterwards.
"All the lads have taken a hit and it's just a down feeling. We had the tactics right, keep the ball moving and hopefully wait for our chance – we took it, and were just unlucky to lose the game in the end."
Smalling, who played alongside new signing Phil Jones in the centre of defence, agreed it had been arguably England's most polished performance of the tournament.
"We played really well, probably our best game," he added. "If we would have played like that in the last two games then we probably wouldn't have had any complaints that we didn't get the luck of the green.
"They got their luck with a ricochet, but fair play to them that they won the game and good luck in the rest of the tournament."

Premier League - United waiting on Varane bid

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 21:54:00 -0700

EUROSPORT-Manchester United are set to discover if their pursuit of Lens defender Raphael Varane has been successful.

United have been tracking the 18-year-old centre-back for several months, and are having a bid of around £9 million considered by the French side, who were relegated from Ligue 1 last season.
However, the situation has been complicated by a approaches from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, and Varane is now weighing up the offers.
"Given the clubs involved, it would be very hard to stop him [from moving," Lens president Gervais Martel told La Voix du Nord.
"I hope this will be finalised in the next 48 hours - I have just spent four hours on the phone, and there are many things to settle."

Chicharito targets improvement

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 06:18:00 -0700

ESPN-Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has vowed not to rest on his laurels after a stunning debut season in England.

Hernandez, currently on Gold Cup duty with Mexico, scored 20 goals for the Red Devils in 2010-11 following his arrival from Guadalajara last summer, to help United win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final.
The 23-year-old said in L'Equipe: "I am very happy that, as a squad, we won the English championship. This is a wonderful thing, especially after a title race so competitive. Chelsea, Arsenal and even Manchester City battled to the end, but we never doubted our strength.
"Our team has such soul and such spirit. Success is written into the DNA of this club. I'm at the best club in the world.
"Everything is done to succeed and win titles. There is only the Champions League defeat that sticks in the throat. Personally, I am extremely happy with my season, but I do not rest on my laurels. I want to do even better next season. I want to help this club to make history."
He said his goal tally had taken even him by surprise and that he had not expected to become a first-team regular so quickly.
"Early in the season, I thought I would have limited playing time, or very limited," he said. "At best, I thought my season would be coming off the bench late in games, trying to unlock a complicated situation.
"Basically, the aim for the season was essentially to adapt to the Premier League, especially physically, but gradually I got playing time, and I started to feel confident, scoring a few goals early in the season.
"Everything was so fast. I could not have hoped for it. I had a dream season."
Hernandez says his team's 2-1 win at Stoke on October 24 was when he really felt comfortable as a United player.
"There was a game that really made me realise that I could have an interesting season. It was the match against Stoke City in which I scored twice," he said. "Throughout the match, I felt perfectly at ease in the game. I felt like I had been playing for Manchester United for ten years!
"Thanks to my team-mates, I could express myself freely on the pitch. I think it was the pivotal game in my season. I will remember it all my life."

Park Ji-Sung ponders Man Utd exit

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 06:13:00 -0700

ESPN-Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung believes he doesn't have long left at Old Trafford and would consider a move to another club in the next couple of years.

Berbatov still awaiting United offer

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 06:13:00 -0700

ESPN-Dimitar Berbatov has not yet been offered a contract extension but remains eager to remain at Manchester United, according to his agent.

Berbatov, 30, has a year remaining on his contract and, after his surprise omission from the Champions League final squad, serious doubts over his future at Old Trafford have been raised in the English press.
However, he has already underlined his desire to stay and, though the club have yet to make contact over a new deal, agent Emil Dantchev remains hopeful that his client will remain a Manchester United player.
"There is no news because we have not heard anything from anyone," Dantchev told Goal.com. "After we speak to Manchester United, we will know more, but now he is very happy to be a Manchester United player.
"Many clubs would be interested in Dimitar but he wants to stay in Manchester and win more trophies. He has a contract and he is not paying attention to the British media."

Glazers linked with flotation and buy-out

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 02:14:00 -0700

ESPN-The long-term future of Manchester United is the subject of speculation as its Glazer family owners have been linked with both a sale to Qatar Holdings and a floatation on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

A report in The People says that United's current transfer splash - including imminent deals for David De Gea, Phil Jones and Ashley Young plus links with Luka Modric, Wesley Sneijder and Samir Nasri - is being funded ahead of a takeover by Qatar, who were linked with a buy-out throughout the 2010-11 season.
Qatar Holdings, a division of the Qatar Investment Authority, are said to have had a £1.5billion offer turned down last year and were rumoured to have handed over a £250 million loan to pay off some steepling Payment-In-Kind notes. United's spokesmen have always denied such a link and insisted the club is not for sale at any price.
Qatari interests have recently assumed full control of Paris St-Germain, and now sponsor Barcelona, which may bring into question the idea of a conflict if interest for the game's administrators.
The Sunday Times however, says that the Glazer family have held talks with investment banks to investigate listing the Premier League champions on the Hong Kong stock exchange, valuing the club at £1.7 billion, more than double the £790 million paid for the club in 2005.
Their interest is said to have been triggered by the successful floatation of companies like Samsonite and Prada in Asia. The club's annual revenue of £286m and operating profit of £91m were the highest in the Premier League but Red Football, the club's holding company, incurred a £79m loss through interest payments on the debts piled on to the Glazer family via a leveraged buy-out.

Ozil to reject United again

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 02:13:00 -0700

EUROSPORT-Real Madrid star Mesut Ozil is set to snub any potential bid from Manchester United.

The Germany international had been linked with a possible move to Old Trafford following a predicted influx of new players at the Bernabeu, despite having rejected an offer from the Red Devils last summer.
Reports in the Spanish media claimed that United had approached his agent Reza Fazeli to see whether a deal might be possible this summer.
But the player told Spanish newspaper Marca that he is not moving from Madrid, while Fazeli added that he is "very happy" with the Spanish club.

Man. United agree to sign teenager Jones from Blackburn

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 02:07:00 -0700

EUROSPORT-Manchester United have agreed to sign teenage defender Phil Jones from Blackburn Rovers on a five-year deal, the Premier League champions said on Monday.

The 19-year-old centre back is on duty with England at the European under-21 championship. The club did not give details of a transfer fee but local media have reported it could be around 17 million pounds ($27.71 million).
"The player passed a medical in Manchester last week and has agreed a five-year contract. The deal will be completed once the player returns from international duty," United said in a news release.

Jones makes 'dream' move to United

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 02:07:00 -0700

EUROSPORT-Blackburn have stepped aside to allow Phil Jones to "follow his dream" of joining Manchester United.

Although Rovers have claimed Jones' switch to Old Trafford could eventually break their transfer record, United have not gone beyond the initial £16.5million offer that triggered a buy-out clause in the teenager's contract last week.
"Much as we would love him to stay on with us - and we made all efforts to convince him to stay - Phil has to finally follow his heart," said a statement on behalf of the Rovers' owners, directors and manager, released the club's official website.
Even as Blackburn owners Venky's were refusing to sanction the deal when it was first put together last Wednesday and were fielding renewed interest from Liverpool over the weekend, Sir Alex Ferguson was secure in the knowledge Jones was not interested in going anywhere else.
So, once Jones' contribution to England's draw with Spain in their opening European Under-21 Championship group game was out of the way on Sunday night, further contact with Blackburn was made to assure the club any attempt at prolonging the transfer was futile.
Jones will formally sign a five-year contract once he returns from Denmark.
Blackburn boss Steve Kean confirmed those efforts included offering to make Jones the highest-paid player in the club's history.
"The offer we made he was staggering for a 19-year-old, but it wasn't the money," Kean told Sky Sports News. "Phil wants to play Champions League football now and we're not at that level.
"I'm sure we will be in the coming years, and we gave it a real good try and made him a fantastic offer, but I understand why he wants to go now. He goes with our blessing and it's an opportunity for us to invest in other young players across other areas of the pitch.
"We were hoping he was going to be captain of our club and captain of England, he's a fantastic prospect and I'm sure he'll be an England regular very soon."

Qatar Holding denies plans to buy Manchester United

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 02:01:00 -0700

EUROSPORT-Qatar Holding has denied reports it is planning to buy Manchester United, a statement from Qatar's state-run news agency said.

Qatar Holding Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Mohamed Al Sayed told Qatar News Agency that the fund was not, and never had been, in negotiations to buy the club.
Qatar recently acquired a 70 percent stake in French top-flight team Paris St Germain .
The Gulf state will host the 2022 World Cup.

United back in race for Sanchez

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 01:57:00 -0700

ESPN-After all the speculation on Tuesday suggested Manchester City had moved into pole position to sign highly-rated Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez, reports on Wednesday say Manchester United chief executive David Gill held talks with the Serie A club.

According to the Sun, Gill flew out to meet with Udinese owner Gino Pozzo in Barcelona, where he lives, in a bid to thrash out a deal for a player who is also being tracked by Barcelona and Inter Milan.
There are conflicting reports around how much it will cost to secure the services of the Chile international, with a figure between £35 million and £44 million in the press. Man City are thought to be prepared to pay no more than £27 million, which may mean Udinese have to reach a compromise with one of the player's suitors.
If United do make a serious move for Sanchez it could suggest that their interest in Aston Villa's Ashley Young has cooled as a summer of transfer tug of war continues in the Premier League. And Sanchez's arrival would also place question marks over the future of Nani, who could be sold to help finance the Red Devils' summer spending.
After Pozzo stated on Tuesday that City were favourites, due to the spending power of clubs in the Premier League, the 22-year-old's agent, Fernando Felicevich, said: "An agreement with City? Sanchez's future is still very much wide open.
"We are working on it and, after meetings with City, we have other new appointments."

De Gea ready for United challenge

arnijenong@gmail.com (didi) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 01:56:00 -0700

EUROSPORT-David De Gea claims he is not worried about the possibility of becoming one of the world`s most expensive goalkeepers if he joins Manchester United, and is only concerned about being a worthy replacement for Edwin van der Sar.

The Atletico Madrid man, currently on duty with the Spanish Under-21 side at the European Championships, is widely thought to be the man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has pinpointed to replace the retiring Van der Sar. A fee of £18million has been mentioned for the 20-year-old, but he claims that does not interest him.
"I feel incredibly motivated by the fact that Manchester United are thinking about me," he said.
"I like the fact that they are considering me as a replacement for a goalkeeper of Edwin van der Sar's calibre.
"I will need to keep on striving and working hard, as I am still in the outset of my career, and I still have much to do at this level.
"I hope I will still be playing when I am his age. It is hard to look so far ahead but it is something I want to do.
"The fact that I could become one of the most expensive goalkeepers ever does not interest me. The value that really counts is what you do on the pitch."