Manchester City are ready to break the bank and match David Villa's £77.8million release clause at La Liga club Valencia.
City are ready to meet the 100million euro demand for the Spain striker and make the £34million the club splashed out for Brazilian Robinho on the final day of the summer transfer window look like small change.
The Middle Eastern owners are believed to have launched a bid for Villa that same day as well as unsuccessfully chasing Germany forward Mario Gomez and failing to hijack Dimitar Berbatov's move to Manchester United.
Despite Villa, the top goalscorer at Euro 2008, signing a new deal at the Mestalla the Abu Dhabi consortium that have taken over at Eastlands are not to be deterred, according to reports in the Spanish press.
City are believed to have already made contact with the forward and although Villa is holding out for a summer switch to Real Madrid or Manchester United, he has not ruled out joining Mark Hughes' side.
If City fail in luring Villa to Eastlands, they will turn their attention to Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero.
City are ready to meet the 100million euro demand for the Spain striker and make the £34million the club splashed out for Brazilian Robinho on the final day of the summer transfer window look like small change.
The Middle Eastern owners are believed to have launched a bid for Villa that same day as well as unsuccessfully chasing Germany forward Mario Gomez and failing to hijack Dimitar Berbatov's move to Manchester United.
Despite Villa, the top goalscorer at Euro 2008, signing a new deal at the Mestalla the Abu Dhabi consortium that have taken over at Eastlands are not to be deterred, according to reports in the Spanish press.
City are believed to have already made contact with the forward and although Villa is holding out for a summer switch to Real Madrid or Manchester United, he has not ruled out joining Mark Hughes' side.
If City fail in luring Villa to Eastlands, they will turn their attention to Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero.
Sevilla star Luis Fabiano has been linked with a move to join Brazil team-mate Robinho at Manchester City.
The ADUG group backed by the Abu Dhabi royal family continue to move closer to a £200million takeover of City and according to the Brazilian's representative the ambitious Barclays Premier League side are keen on the forward and made an attempt to sign Fabiano on deadline day.
City wanted the player this season, but Luis Fabiano is happy at Sevilla and opted to wait,' his agent Jose Fuentes was quoted on Setanta.
'Every time an offer is made to us, we pass the details on to Sevilla and the club decide.'
The prolific Fabiano has scored more than 23 goals per season in the last three years.
Fabiano also struck twice during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Chile on Sunday with Manchester City new boy Robinho scoring the other.
The ADUG group backed by the Abu Dhabi royal family continue to move closer to a £200million takeover of City and according to the Brazilian's representative the ambitious Barclays Premier League side are keen on the forward and made an attempt to sign Fabiano on deadline day.
City wanted the player this season, but Luis Fabiano is happy at Sevilla and opted to wait,' his agent Jose Fuentes was quoted on Setanta.
'Every time an offer is made to us, we pass the details on to Sevilla and the club decide.'
The prolific Fabiano has scored more than 23 goals per season in the last three years.
Fabiano also struck twice during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Chile on Sunday with Manchester City new boy Robinho scoring the other.
Manchester United are still favourites to sign Tottenham's wantaway striker Dimitar Berbatov despite a £34million bid from cross-city rivals City.
Tottenham have accepted City's bid but Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson is reported to have held talks with the Bulgarian after offering Spurs £20m plus young striker Fraizer Campbell.
Following that meeting Berbatov is believed to have completed a medical, which puts United in the driving seat to complete one of the summer's biggest and long-lasting transfer deals.
In the meantime chief executive David Gill, manager Sir Alex Ferguson and legal
expert Maurice Watkins have attempted to find a way to bridge the £5million gap in
their offer compared to Tottenham's asking price.
Tottenham have made no formal statement on discussions with United while reports of a £36m offer from Spanish giants Real Madrid appear wide of the mark.
Dimitar Berbatov is in danger of becoming an outcast at Tottenham, with some senior players left fuming after he didn't play against Sunderland because his mind wasn't right.
Berbatov wasn't even on the substitutes' bench as Spurs lost their second straight game of the new season.
The 27-year-old has told the club to let him fulfil his dream of going to Old Trafford, but the deal has been held up due to chairman Daniel Levy's complaint to the Premier League over Manchester United's pursuit of the Bulgarian international.
The saga is threatening the mood in the dressing room and a few players would rather lose his talent up front than keep him at the club.
Berbatov's attitude in pre-season didn't go down well with members of the squad and it is understood that some players lost patience with him after he didn't play against Sunderland.
Defender Jonathan Woodgate insisted afterwards that the team's poor start to the campaign shouldn't be blamed on Berbatov, but it is not a view shared by everyone behind the scenes.
He has also lost the backing of many of the fans and was booed heavily when he came on against Middlesbrough last week.
Tottenham are still maintaining that they will keep the player unless they get a bid of £30million, but they were prepared to accept £28m a few weeks ago as long as they were able to buy a replacement.
They have even threatened to put Berbatov in the reserves should the move not take place and his attitude continues to be disruptive - but an agreement with United is expected to be reached soon.
Ramos is desperate for the situation to be resolved as soon as possible, to ensure that the club have enough time to find a new striker.
With the transfer window due to close at midnight on Monday, Tottenham have launched a desperate bid to bolster their attack and are assessing talent both at home and abroad.
They have looked at Radamel Falcao from River Plate and are considering another bid for West Ham's Dean Ashton, while Andrei Arshavin and Roman Pavlyuchenko continue to be linked with a move to London.
John Terry has been named as England captain for the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Chelsea skipper beat off competition from Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, who was widely tipped for the post.
Two years ago, Terry was handed the armband by then England coach Steve McClaren following another two-horse race, this time with Steven Gerrard, but today boss Fabio Capello has given Terry the nod.
Chelsea centre-half Terry, whose previous tenure leading out England ended with a failure to qualify for Euro 2008, will lead his country into the vital qualifying campaign which hopefully ends in South Africa and the 2010 World Cup Finals.
Capello has taken his time before coming to a decision and Terry will begin his second stint as permanent captain in tomorrow's friendly against the Czech Republic at Wembley.
It's the last game before the qualifying campaign kicks off next month with two ties, against Andorra, in Barcelona, and then a much tougher challenge against Slaven Bilic's Croatia, in Zagreb.
The Chelsea skipper beat off competition from Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, who was widely tipped for the post.
Two years ago, Terry was handed the armband by then England coach Steve McClaren following another two-horse race, this time with Steven Gerrard, but today boss Fabio Capello has given Terry the nod.
Chelsea centre-half Terry, whose previous tenure leading out England ended with a failure to qualify for Euro 2008, will lead his country into the vital qualifying campaign which hopefully ends in South Africa and the 2010 World Cup Finals.
Capello has taken his time before coming to a decision and Terry will begin his second stint as permanent captain in tomorrow's friendly against the Czech Republic at Wembley.
It's the last game before the qualifying campaign kicks off next month with two ties, against Andorra, in Barcelona, and then a much tougher challenge against Slaven Bilic's Croatia, in Zagreb.
Blackburn have confirmed they have turned down a bid, thought to be around £12m, from Barclays Premier League rivals Manchester City for striker Roque Santa Cruz.
The Paraguay international was Rovers top scorer last season and has been linked with a number of clubs this summer - including City's neighbours Manchester United.
'A bid came in last night and it was immediately rejected,' read a Blackburn statement.
'Various Manchester City officials have been advised on a number of occasions that the player would not be for sale.
'We are very disappointed, therefore, that they have continued their interest.'
Meanwhile, City boss Mark Hughes' plans for the new season were dealt a blow last night when Darius Vassell was ruled out for 10 weeks with a knee injury.
The Welshman moved quickly to remedy that problem by attempting to sign the man who scored 19 league goals for him last season while Hughes was manager at
Blackburn.
The fee City have offered is believed to be around the £12million mark - over £8.5 million more than Blackburn paid for his services when they signed him from Bayern Munich last summer.
Santa Cruz spent eight years at the German club and has scored 17 goals in the 53 international appearances he has made for Paraguay.
Sir Alex Ferguson today vowed that Cristiano Ronaldo will never be allowed to join Real Madrid and suggested that Manchester United may even give the 23-year-old a new contract.
Ronaldo arrived back in Manchester yesterday after seemingly resolving issues regarding his future in an interview he gave in Portugal earlier this week.
And despite the fact that the Portuguese international has repeated his desire to one day play in Spain, Ferguson outlined his intention today to make sure that never happens.
As he revealed that United striker Wayne Rooney is back in training and could yet make the start of the league season, Ferguson said: 'We have ended all this stuff about Real Madrid and I think Cristiano appreciates this more and more and appreciates the club.
'That happens with players here.
'The longer they stay the less they ever want to leave.
'Look at players like Rio Ferdinand.
'I think Real Madrid know they are dealing with a different animal and I also think that Cristiano has settled down now and will enjoy his career here'.
United Chief Executive David Gill has steadfastly refused to extend Ronaldo's current playing contract but Ferguson would appear to differ.
The United manager added: 'He has four years left and hopefully at some point we will extend that and that is where we are.
'This was an important issue but there are very few players who have left me against my will'.
United face Portsmouth in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday and will be without Rooney as he continues his recovery from a virus.
But Sportsmail revealed yesterday that the England striker was making progress in his recovery and Ferguson said today: 'He is back in training and the virus appears to be leaving him.
'He had a chance for next weekend'.
Wayne Rooney is in danger of missing the start of the Barclays Premier League season with a stomach virus he picked up during Manchester United's disastrous recent visit to Nigeria.
With United boss Sir Alex Ferguson already without injured forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Louis Saha and sweating on their pursuit of Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov, Rooney's potential absence from the opening game at home to Newcastle is a devastating blow.
Last week, United denied information put to them by Sportsmail that Rooney had picked up an illness during the club's one-day visit to Nigeria for a game against Portsmouth on July 27.
But last night Ferguson said: 'I doubt we'll get Rooney for the start of the season with this virus that he's had. It's a virus he's picked up in Nigeria, I believe, and it's a bad virus. He's not trained. He's not back in yet - 12 days until the start of the season and he's not trained. We came back on the 28th so it's a long time.'
United did not confirm the exact nature of Rooney's problem but the boss said it was not malaria. Ferguson added: 'We've done all the investigations. We've got our own laboratory now. All he had was malaria tablets and it was nothing to do with that. It wasn't malaria.'
It is understood that the mystery bug also affected other United players, including Michael Carrick. Ferguson said: 'Carrick's here this morning and hopefully he may be in for part of the Community Shield on Sunday - it's difficult to say.
'We're not going to make decisions at the moment other than looking at who's bloody injured, who's got viruses and worry about whether we're going to have a team to start the season because Nani's suspended and Anderson's in the Olympics.'
With Ronaldo due back at the end of the week, Ferguson continues to dismiss suggestions that the player will leave for Real Madrid this summer.
Real president Ramon Calderon yesterday introduced Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart as the club's 'first and last signing of the summer'. And Ferguson said: 'Will someone send a violin case over please. I'm not discussing that. The matter is closed now. He's going to play here next season. It's all over.'
As Ferguson spoke yesterday, first-team squad members were involved in training sessions for youngsters involved in the prestigious Nike Premier Cup for some of the world's best young club teams which is staged at United's Carrington training base each August.
Rio Ferdinand, who lent his support, afterwards spoke of the Double winners' desire to match their recent achievements. He said: 'We were very successful over the last two seasons and that becomes an addiction.
'When you're at United you can't afford to stand still. We're setting out to go and do it again. Nights like the Champions League final don't come around very often.
'Ryan Giggs had had to wait nine years for his second one and I thought straight away that I haven't got nine years. I want to get there and touch that trophy again as soon as possible.
'When I signed for this club I saw people like Denis Law, Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, Giggs, Roy Keane, David Beckham and Paul Scholes. Their names are ingrained as part of the club's history and that's what we all want.
'You can only do that by winning the Champions League. We have to do what we did last season, but better.
'We have young players like Anderson, Nani, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo; good young players. These guys are all young and talented and they all have much to give. They won't reach their peak for a few years yet and so they will always have more to give us.
'I am sure as players that they will be looking at what they did last season and thinking that they can improve on it. And the club will facilitate that.'
With United boss Sir Alex Ferguson already without injured forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Louis Saha and sweating on their pursuit of Tottenham's Dimitar Berbatov, Rooney's potential absence from the opening game at home to Newcastle is a devastating blow.
Last week, United denied information put to them by Sportsmail that Rooney had picked up an illness during the club's one-day visit to Nigeria for a game against Portsmouth on July 27.
But last night Ferguson said: 'I doubt we'll get Rooney for the start of the season with this virus that he's had. It's a virus he's picked up in Nigeria, I believe, and it's a bad virus. He's not trained. He's not back in yet - 12 days until the start of the season and he's not trained. We came back on the 28th so it's a long time.'
United did not confirm the exact nature of Rooney's problem but the boss said it was not malaria. Ferguson added: 'We've done all the investigations. We've got our own laboratory now. All he had was malaria tablets and it was nothing to do with that. It wasn't malaria.'
It is understood that the mystery bug also affected other United players, including Michael Carrick. Ferguson said: 'Carrick's here this morning and hopefully he may be in for part of the Community Shield on Sunday - it's difficult to say.
'We're not going to make decisions at the moment other than looking at who's bloody injured, who's got viruses and worry about whether we're going to have a team to start the season because Nani's suspended and Anderson's in the Olympics.'
With Ronaldo due back at the end of the week, Ferguson continues to dismiss suggestions that the player will leave for Real Madrid this summer.
Real president Ramon Calderon yesterday introduced Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart as the club's 'first and last signing of the summer'. And Ferguson said: 'Will someone send a violin case over please. I'm not discussing that. The matter is closed now. He's going to play here next season. It's all over.'
As Ferguson spoke yesterday, first-team squad members were involved in training sessions for youngsters involved in the prestigious Nike Premier Cup for some of the world's best young club teams which is staged at United's Carrington training base each August.
Rio Ferdinand, who lent his support, afterwards spoke of the Double winners' desire to match their recent achievements. He said: 'We were very successful over the last two seasons and that becomes an addiction.
'When you're at United you can't afford to stand still. We're setting out to go and do it again. Nights like the Champions League final don't come around very often.
'Ryan Giggs had had to wait nine years for his second one and I thought straight away that I haven't got nine years. I want to get there and touch that trophy again as soon as possible.
'When I signed for this club I saw people like Denis Law, Sir Bobby Charlton, George Best, Giggs, Roy Keane, David Beckham and Paul Scholes. Their names are ingrained as part of the club's history and that's what we all want.
'You can only do that by winning the Champions League. We have to do what we did last season, but better.
'We have young players like Anderson, Nani, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo; good young players. These guys are all young and talented and they all have much to give. They won't reach their peak for a few years yet and so they will always have more to give us.
'I am sure as players that they will be looking at what they did last season and thinking that they can improve on it. And the club will facilitate that.'
I don’t know why. When he is tangling with opponents, Rooney has to learn how to defend himself, not attack the opponent. ‘Maybe that has something to do with it. If you can protect yourself against challenges, it will be easier to keep your temper.’
Watching Rooney huff and puff around the beautiful Newlands Stadium on Saturday
in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with the Kaizer Chiefs, it was tempting to agree with Pele.
Given 69 minutes by his manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Rooney’s most notable contribution was to tangle persistently with Chiefs defender and captain Jimmy Tau.
Rooney looked close to losing his temper on several occasions but perhaps onlookers like Pele should consider it is this sense of drive that has propelled him to the top.
Wearing a long-sleeved jersey under his United shirt in the sun, Rooney was perhaps trying to sweat off a couple of excess ounces. But to suggest he looks fat is ridiculous.
Ferguson said: ‘Wayne is a born fighter. That is what he is. He does get frustrated in some games but we don’t want to take that away from him. He is learning to control himself.’
The manager has greater issues on his mind as he prepares a strategy to tempt Tottenham to sell Dimitar Berbatov.
After Spurs chairman Daniel Levy accused Ferguson of publicly courting the Bulgarian — something the United camp deny — the Old Trafford boss may ask his club’s lawyers to look at the comments.
That issue is bound to fade away but United’s interest in the player will not. An increased bid of £25million is expected in the coming days.
Kaizer Chiefs went ahead on Saturday through a Jonathan Quartey penalty in the first half before Chris Eagles equalised with half an hour left.
United move on to Durban today where they meet Orlando Pirates tomorrow night.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo, currently in America, has fended off more questions about a move to Real Madrid, saying: ‘I don’t know about the future, only God knows it.’
Sir Alex Ferguson believes he will be able to convince Cristiano Ronaldo to snub Real Madrid and stay at Manchester United.
The Portugal winger appears determined to join the Spanish giants but Ferguson, who returns from holiday this week, is vehemently opposed to selling his star player, reports The Times.
The two men are not believed to have spoken since Ronaldo left Manchester to join the Portugal squad for Euro 2008 in late May.
Ferguson is thought to have been disappointed by some of Ronaldo’s comments regarding a switch to the Bernabeu.
But the United manager reckons the 23-year-old, who has not demanded a move yet, will drop the issue when he learns of the extent of his opposition to the sale.
The Portugal winger appears determined to join the Spanish giants but Ferguson, who returns from holiday this week, is vehemently opposed to selling his star player, reports The Times.
The two men are not believed to have spoken since Ronaldo left Manchester to join the Portugal squad for Euro 2008 in late May.
Ferguson is thought to have been disappointed by some of Ronaldo’s comments regarding a switch to the Bernabeu.
But the United manager reckons the 23-year-old, who has not demanded a move yet, will drop the issue when he learns of the extent of his opposition to the sale.
Aaron Ramsey revealed Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was "a big factor" in him signing for the Gunners rather than Manchester United.
At 17, the Wales midfielder was one of the hottest properties in the British transfer market this summer, and Cardiff reluctantly agreed to let him talk to Barclays Premier League club after three, the other being Everton, met their £5million valuation.
However, the prospect of working with Wenger - who has nurtured so many talented youngsters and personally met with Ramsey when Arsenal flew him out to Switzerland - proved even more of a lure than joining last season's Premier League and European champions.
"I am so happy to have signed for Arsenal. I am joining one of the biggest clubs in the world and can't wait to meet my new team-mates," said Ramsey after his move was officially confirmed. "I recently met with Arsene Wenger and he was a big factor in my decision to join Arsenal.
"He talked to me for a long time about the club and the plans for the future, which really excites me."
Wenger has always put his faith in youth, although that was not enough last season as the young Gunners came up just short in the race for the title and in Europe.
Those honest discussions with Ramsey - who impressed as a substitute during the FA Cup final defeat against Portsmouth at Wembley - convinced him to opt for north London instead of the north-west and an immediate chance to make an impact on the first team rather than wait in line at Old Trafford, in a deal which actually would have seen him loaned back out to the Coca-Cola Championship club next season.
However, the teenager knows he cannot rest on his laurels if he is to cement a place in Wenger's first team at Emirates Stadium alongside the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott.
He said: "Arsenal is a club which always gives young players an opportunity at the highest level of the game and I am going to work my hardest to be part of future successes here."
Cesc Fabregas
Thinking of home: Cesc Fabregas - on Euro 2008 duty with Spain - hopes Alexander Hleb will stay at Arsenal
Ramsey came through the youth ranks at Ninian Park, and admitted it was something of a wrench to leave the Wales club.
"It was a really difficult decision to leave Cardiff City, they are my local club with great supporters and I would just like thank everyone at Cardiff City for their support and help in my early career," he said.
"I will still look out for their results and there will always be a place in my heart for the Bluebirds."
The capture of Ramsey is something of a coup for Wenger, snatching the promising youngster from under the nose of rival Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Aaron Ramsey is a young player who has shown huge potential," said the Arsenal manager. He is still only 17, but has already shown that he is a very intelligent and mature player with great quality.
"Although he mainly plays in midfield, Aaron is a versatile player and can also play across the defence. We are all looking forward to welcoming Aaron to the club for our pre-season preparations."
Wenger is keen to add more players to his squad before they depart on Gunners' pre-season training camp in Austria at the end of July.
However, Bayern Munich and Barcelona continue to be linked with a move for winger Alexander Hleb. Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas - currently on international duty with an impressive Spain squad at Euro 2008 - hopes the Belarussian will stay at Emirates Stadium.
"I have always said that Hleb is an incredible footballer and what he has done is underrated, well, everything that he does, because he is still an Arsenal player," Fabregas told Spanish daily newspaper El Pais.
"That kind of footballer deserves more credit, but I tell it to you, he is an incredible footballer. I hope we will carry on playing together for years."
Wenger is expected to tie up a £13million deal for long-time target Samir Nasri, the Marseille midfielder, after Euro 2008 while Ivory Coast international Gervinho claims Arsenal have made inquiries to Le Mans about his availability.
Reports in Italy continue to line up Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor with a move to AC Milan, although Wenger - at the European Championship as a media pundit - last week gave any notion of letting last season's leading scorer leave short shrift.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have paid tribute to former player Derek Tapscott, who died aged 75. Welshman "Tappy" signed in 1954 from Barry Town and played some 132 games
At 17, the Wales midfielder was one of the hottest properties in the British transfer market this summer, and Cardiff reluctantly agreed to let him talk to Barclays Premier League club after three, the other being Everton, met their £5million valuation.
However, the prospect of working with Wenger - who has nurtured so many talented youngsters and personally met with Ramsey when Arsenal flew him out to Switzerland - proved even more of a lure than joining last season's Premier League and European champions.
"I am so happy to have signed for Arsenal. I am joining one of the biggest clubs in the world and can't wait to meet my new team-mates," said Ramsey after his move was officially confirmed. "I recently met with Arsene Wenger and he was a big factor in my decision to join Arsenal.
"He talked to me for a long time about the club and the plans for the future, which really excites me."
Wenger has always put his faith in youth, although that was not enough last season as the young Gunners came up just short in the race for the title and in Europe.
Those honest discussions with Ramsey - who impressed as a substitute during the FA Cup final defeat against Portsmouth at Wembley - convinced him to opt for north London instead of the north-west and an immediate chance to make an impact on the first team rather than wait in line at Old Trafford, in a deal which actually would have seen him loaned back out to the Coca-Cola Championship club next season.However, the teenager knows he cannot rest on his laurels if he is to cement a place in Wenger's first team at Emirates Stadium alongside the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott.
He said: "Arsenal is a club which always gives young players an opportunity at the highest level of the game and I am going to work my hardest to be part of future successes here."
Cesc Fabregas
Thinking of home: Cesc Fabregas - on Euro 2008 duty with Spain - hopes Alexander Hleb will stay at Arsenal
Ramsey came through the youth ranks at Ninian Park, and admitted it was something of a wrench to leave the Wales club.
"It was a really difficult decision to leave Cardiff City, they are my local club with great supporters and I would just like thank everyone at Cardiff City for their support and help in my early career," he said.
"I will still look out for their results and there will always be a place in my heart for the Bluebirds."
The capture of Ramsey is something of a coup for Wenger, snatching the promising youngster from under the nose of rival Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Aaron Ramsey is a young player who has shown huge potential," said the Arsenal manager. He is still only 17, but has already shown that he is a very intelligent and mature player with great quality.
"Although he mainly plays in midfield, Aaron is a versatile player and can also play across the defence. We are all looking forward to welcoming Aaron to the club for our pre-season preparations."
Wenger is keen to add more players to his squad before they depart on Gunners' pre-season training camp in Austria at the end of July.
However, Bayern Munich and Barcelona continue to be linked with a move for winger Alexander Hleb. Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas - currently on international duty with an impressive Spain squad at Euro 2008 - hopes the Belarussian will stay at Emirates Stadium.
"I have always said that Hleb is an incredible footballer and what he has done is underrated, well, everything that he does, because he is still an Arsenal player," Fabregas told Spanish daily newspaper El Pais.
"That kind of footballer deserves more credit, but I tell it to you, he is an incredible footballer. I hope we will carry on playing together for years."
Wenger is expected to tie up a £13million deal for long-time target Samir Nasri, the Marseille midfielder, after Euro 2008 while Ivory Coast international Gervinho claims Arsenal have made inquiries to Le Mans about his availability.
Reports in Italy continue to line up Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor with a move to AC Milan, although Wenger - at the European Championship as a media pundit - last week gave any notion of letting last season's leading scorer leave short shrift.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have paid tribute to former player Derek Tapscott, who died aged 75. Welshman "Tappy" signed in 1954 from Barry Town and played some 132 games
Sir Alex Ferguson will urge the Manchester United board to put an end to the soap opera surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's future by sanctioning talks that could raise his wages to £150,000 a week.
Chief executive David Gill has steadfastly refused to buckle in the face of continued pressure from Real Madrid but Ronaldo's advisers believe the problem can be resolved by a simple renegotiation of the four-year deal he signed last summer.
That would involve increasing his pay from £120,000 a week and adding an improved image rights package.
In the latest twist, Spanish sources claimed yesterday that Real, notwithstanding an official complaint to FIFA from vexed United, had tabled a £70million offer for the 23-year-old Portugal winger - the figure widely believed in Spain to match a release clause in Ronaldo's contract.
United vehemently deny such a clause exists and Ferguson, who has stayed in the shadows and kept his counsel as Ronaldo has flirted with Real, now wants the issue resolved.
Ronaldo is due to clock in at Carrington for pre-season training three weeks after Portugal play their last match - which would be late July if they reach the European Championship Final.
His closest advisers believe Ferguson will soon support a more pragmatic approach from the United board to ensure his greatest asset is onside well before the new season gets under way.
Real's shameless pursuit of Ronaldo was not unexpected and the player's camp clearly expected him to be offered a pay rise, especially in the light of a 42-goal wonder season that saw him scoop all the player of the year awards.
His advisers were utterly dismayed when Gill made it plain that there would be no negotiations this summer.
Ferguson will be disappointed by comments from Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, who believes Ronaldo should quit United if his heart is no longer at the club.
But the French star, who quit Old Trafford and all football in 1997 aged 30, says Ronaldo should not move for the money.
Speaking at the UK launch of partouche-betting.com, Cantona said: 'Maybe Ronaldo feels he has achieved everything here (at United) and doesn't find excitement and motivation for next year. 'If it's this reason maybe it's the right decision to leave. But if it's for other reasons I think it is the wrong decision. If he leaves for more money, he is wrong.'
However, in the eyes of the Portuguese camp, a little give and take and an adjustment to Ronaldo's deal which reflects his impact this season, would settle the matter.
Gill's hard-line stance has not gone down well with Ronaldo's advisers, who are convinced the player is quite happy to remain at Old Trafford despite some of his ambiguous musings on Real reported in various quarters.
Privately, they admit he was careless to talk of a desire to play for Real. It has been misconstrued, wilfully or otherwise, as an ambition to be fulfilled now when, they insist, Ronaldo was looking further down the line.
But the drama is in danger of becoming a crisis, with Team Ronaldo feeling slighted that, in their eyes, his huge contribution to the Champions League and Barclays Premier League double has been all but waved away.
United are furious at Real's mischief-making, although the Spaniards yesterday insisted disingenuously that there was no cast-iron evidence of any wrongdoing to put before any FIFA disciplinary tribunal.
Real president Ramon Calderon said: 'It is United's right (to complain) but we have not done anything wrong and we are not going to do anything. It is a matter for the player and his club.'
That again has been interpreted as a hint over the player's contract situation. Spanish newspaper Marca, widely regarded a s t h e Bernabeu house journal, stirred the simmering pot with a suggestion that Real have put together a £70m world record offer to tempt United into selling Ronaldo to them.
Contrary to the belief in Madrid, there is no buy-out clause for even that staggering amount in Ronaldo's contract.
United follow a strict policy of excluding any such clause from their deals with players.
Ferguson, who persuaded Ronaldo to stay despite the furore over his infamous World Cup wink as Wayne Rooney was sent off two years ago, has yet to intervene but will be loath to lose the game's most potent talent on a point of principle - albeit one he fully understands.
But while the odds are on Ronaldo kicking off next season in red rather than white, the impasse is damaging enough to give Real some hope that a ridiculous, bankdemolishing bid would make even United think twice.
Especially if the Old Trafford hierarchy suspect this whole, tiresome scenario could be reprised next summer.
Chief executive David Gill has steadfastly refused to buckle in the face of continued pressure from Real Madrid but Ronaldo's advisers believe the problem can be resolved by a simple renegotiation of the four-year deal he signed last summer.
That would involve increasing his pay from £120,000 a week and adding an improved image rights package.
In the latest twist, Spanish sources claimed yesterday that Real, notwithstanding an official complaint to FIFA from vexed United, had tabled a £70million offer for the 23-year-old Portugal winger - the figure widely believed in Spain to match a release clause in Ronaldo's contract.
United vehemently deny such a clause exists and Ferguson, who has stayed in the shadows and kept his counsel as Ronaldo has flirted with Real, now wants the issue resolved.
Ronaldo is due to clock in at Carrington for pre-season training three weeks after Portugal play their last match - which would be late July if they reach the European Championship Final.
His closest advisers believe Ferguson will soon support a more pragmatic approach from the United board to ensure his greatest asset is onside well before the new season gets under way.
Real's shameless pursuit of Ronaldo was not unexpected and the player's camp clearly expected him to be offered a pay rise, especially in the light of a 42-goal wonder season that saw him scoop all the player of the year awards.
His advisers were utterly dismayed when Gill made it plain that there would be no negotiations this summer.
Ferguson will be disappointed by comments from Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, who believes Ronaldo should quit United if his heart is no longer at the club.
But the French star, who quit Old Trafford and all football in 1997 aged 30, says Ronaldo should not move for the money.
Speaking at the UK launch of partouche-betting.com, Cantona said: 'Maybe Ronaldo feels he has achieved everything here (at United) and doesn't find excitement and motivation for next year. 'If it's this reason maybe it's the right decision to leave. But if it's for other reasons I think it is the wrong decision. If he leaves for more money, he is wrong.'
However, in the eyes of the Portuguese camp, a little give and take and an adjustment to Ronaldo's deal which reflects his impact this season, would settle the matter.
Gill's hard-line stance has not gone down well with Ronaldo's advisers, who are convinced the player is quite happy to remain at Old Trafford despite some of his ambiguous musings on Real reported in various quarters.
Privately, they admit he was careless to talk of a desire to play for Real. It has been misconstrued, wilfully or otherwise, as an ambition to be fulfilled now when, they insist, Ronaldo was looking further down the line.
But the drama is in danger of becoming a crisis, with Team Ronaldo feeling slighted that, in their eyes, his huge contribution to the Champions League and Barclays Premier League double has been all but waved away.
United are furious at Real's mischief-making, although the Spaniards yesterday insisted disingenuously that there was no cast-iron evidence of any wrongdoing to put before any FIFA disciplinary tribunal.
Real president Ramon Calderon said: 'It is United's right (to complain) but we have not done anything wrong and we are not going to do anything. It is a matter for the player and his club.'
That again has been interpreted as a hint over the player's contract situation. Spanish newspaper Marca, widely regarded a s t h e Bernabeu house journal, stirred the simmering pot with a suggestion that Real have put together a £70m world record offer to tempt United into selling Ronaldo to them.
Contrary to the belief in Madrid, there is no buy-out clause for even that staggering amount in Ronaldo's contract.
United follow a strict policy of excluding any such clause from their deals with players.
Ferguson, who persuaded Ronaldo to stay despite the furore over his infamous World Cup wink as Wayne Rooney was sent off two years ago, has yet to intervene but will be loath to lose the game's most potent talent on a point of principle - albeit one he fully understands.
But while the odds are on Ronaldo kicking off next season in red rather than white, the impasse is damaging enough to give Real some hope that a ridiculous, bankdemolishing bid would make even United think twice.
Especially if the Old Trafford hierarchy suspect this whole, tiresome scenario could be reprised next summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped a bombshell on Manchester United by claiming he "wants to play for Real Madrid" but only if the Spanish giants are prepared to pay the asking price.
Real have relentlessly pursued Ronaldo and could now land the talented Portuguese winger if they stump up around an estimated £70million which would be the most expensive football transfer in history.
"I would like to play for Real Madrid but only if it is true they are ready to pay what Manchester United ask of them," he told Brazilian website Terra.
"However, it does not depend on me."
Ronaldo says he hopes that the announcement would bring closure to the speculation linking him with a possible move to the Bernabeu.
The 23-year-old, who is preparing for Euro 2008 with the Portugal side, also insisted he will not discuss it until after the tournament.
He added: "From today I'm not going to talk about this topic with anyone at all.
"I'll only talk about this again after the European Championships.
"Don't ask me any questions because I won't answer."
United have repeatedly insisted their star player would still be at Old Trafford for the
2008/09 campaign.
Ronaldo, 23, scored 42 goals for the Premier League and European champions last
season.
The transfer could spark a major row between United and Madrid with manager Sir Alex Ferguson stating last month they may report the Spanish club to FIFA for making their pursuit of Ronaldo public.
Zinedine Zidane become the most expensive transfer in history when he joined Real from Juventus for £50million.
Real have relentlessly pursued Ronaldo and could now land the talented Portuguese winger if they stump up around an estimated £70million which would be the most expensive football transfer in history.
"I would like to play for Real Madrid but only if it is true they are ready to pay what Manchester United ask of them," he told Brazilian website Terra.
Ronaldo says he hopes that the announcement would bring closure to the speculation linking him with a possible move to the Bernabeu.
The 23-year-old, who is preparing for Euro 2008 with the Portugal side, also insisted he will not discuss it until after the tournament.
He added: "From today I'm not going to talk about this topic with anyone at all.
"I'll only talk about this again after the European Championships.
"Don't ask me any questions because I won't answer."
United have repeatedly insisted their star player would still be at Old Trafford for the
2008/09 campaign.
Ronaldo, 23, scored 42 goals for the Premier League and European champions last
season.
The transfer could spark a major row between United and Madrid with manager Sir Alex Ferguson stating last month they may report the Spanish club to FIFA for making their pursuit of Ronaldo public.
Zinedine Zidane become the most expensive transfer in history when he joined Real from Juventus for £50million.
England boss Fabio Capello has insisted that restoring David Beckham to the captaincy of his country for today's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago is not simply a PR stunt.
Capello admitted that for his employers, the Football Association, the game might be a political exercise to win the backing of Jack Warner, the FIFA vice-president who heads Caribbean football, for their bid to host the World Cup in 2018. But Capello is adamant that footballing reasons alone were behind his decision to restore Beckham to the captaincy, a position the player gave up following the 2006 World Cup.
The manager said: 'My work is not PR, my work is to be manager and to win, nothing more. It's possible, I think, for the FA the match is PR. For me, it's a game. It's not because of his name that Beckham is here, it's because he's fit and a very good player.'
The Italian, who for a time exiled Beckham from his team while the pair were at Real Madrid, says the LA Galaxy midfielder is in contention not only to play at the 2010 World Cup, by which time he will be 35, but also to be his full-time skipper.
That role is still thought more likely to go to Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, but Capello rejected suggestions that Beckham, 33, donning the armband today is another gimmick for what many regard as the most blatantly political match England have ever played.
Capello added: 'I decided there were five or six candidates (to be captain). Beckham is one of the candidates. I do not know the future. It's possible he will play at the 2010 World Cup. It depends if he's fit physically.' Some will regard the Beckham return to favour as a backward step but he demonstrated with the cross, from which John Terry gave England the lead in their 2-0 friendly win over the USA at Wembley last week, that he can still make key contributions to the team.
Capello reiterated that the door was always open for players like Blackburn's David Bentley to move ahead of Beckham in the pecking order, but it seems that the Italian does not believe any of the young pretenders have yet made a compelling case to replace the man who has been England's talisman for so long.
Ferdinand, meanwhile, claims this first extended get-together of Capello's reign has deepened his conviction that the Italian is the man to end decades of underachievement by England.
'The games against the United States and Trinidad and the training we've been doing are geared towards achieving a lot more than we have under other England managers,' said Ferdinand, the only Englishman who featured in the United-Chelsea Champions League final to make this trip.
'There will be a big hole on my c.v. if I don't achieve something with England. 'It's obvious that it has got to the stage now with England where it is a psychological thing, because the country hasn't achieved anything of note since 1966 so there hasn't been that consistency of a winning mentality.
'First and foremost, you have to have the quality, but then you need to have the belief factor, and that is what the manager is trying hard to instill.
'He sees us as individuals with our clubs performing week in, week out at a good level in the Premier League and Champions League, and now it's about getting that as a collective unit in an England shirt.
'This is the most optimistic I've ever felt with England. The manager's record speaks for itself and if you can't believe in someone of his stature, who has had his achievements in football, then I don't know who you can believe in.'
Capello admitted that for his employers, the Football Association, the game might be a political exercise to win the backing of Jack Warner, the FIFA vice-president who heads Caribbean football, for their bid to host the World Cup in 2018. But Capello is adamant that footballing reasons alone were behind his decision to restore Beckham to the captaincy, a position the player gave up following the 2006 World Cup.
The manager said: 'My work is not PR, my work is to be manager and to win, nothing more. It's possible, I think, for the FA the match is PR. For me, it's a game. It's not because of his name that Beckham is here, it's because he's fit and a very good player.'
The Italian, who for a time exiled Beckham from his team while the pair were at Real Madrid, says the LA Galaxy midfielder is in contention not only to play at the 2010 World Cup, by which time he will be 35, but also to be his full-time skipper.
That role is still thought more likely to go to Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand, but Capello rejected suggestions that Beckham, 33, donning the armband today is another gimmick for what many regard as the most blatantly political match England have ever played.
Capello added: 'I decided there were five or six candidates (to be captain). Beckham is one of the candidates. I do not know the future. It's possible he will play at the 2010 World Cup. It depends if he's fit physically.' Some will regard the Beckham return to favour as a backward step but he demonstrated with the cross, from which John Terry gave England the lead in their 2-0 friendly win over the USA at Wembley last week, that he can still make key contributions to the team.
Capello reiterated that the door was always open for players like Blackburn's David Bentley to move ahead of Beckham in the pecking order, but it seems that the Italian does not believe any of the young pretenders have yet made a compelling case to replace the man who has been England's talisman for so long.
Ferdinand, meanwhile, claims this first extended get-together of Capello's reign has deepened his conviction that the Italian is the man to end decades of underachievement by England.
'The games against the United States and Trinidad and the training we've been doing are geared towards achieving a lot more than we have under other England managers,' said Ferdinand, the only Englishman who featured in the United-Chelsea Champions League final to make this trip.
'There will be a big hole on my c.v. if I don't achieve something with England. 'It's obvious that it has got to the stage now with England where it is a psychological thing, because the country hasn't achieved anything of note since 1966 so there hasn't been that consistency of a winning mentality.
'First and foremost, you have to have the quality, but then you need to have the belief factor, and that is what the manager is trying hard to instill.
'He sees us as individuals with our clubs performing week in, week out at a good level in the Premier League and Champions League, and now it's about getting that as a collective unit in an England shirt.
'This is the most optimistic I've ever felt with England. The manager's record speaks for itself and if you can't believe in someone of his stature, who has had his achievements in football, then I don't know who you can believe in.'
The Manchester United manager is furious at the statements made by Real coach Bernd Schuster and president Ramon Calderon in the last 24 hours that questioned Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford.
Speculation surrounding the Portuguese winger has intensified despite United’s
thrilling Champions League final victory over Chelsea.
Sir Alex Ferguson has launched a stinging attack on Real Madrid, accusing the La Liga champions of “lacking morals” following the Spanish club’s latest comments about the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Manchester United manager is furious at the statements made by Real coach Bernd Schuster and president Ramon Calderon in the last 24 hours that questioned Ronaldo’s future at Old Trafford.
Speculation surrounding the Portuguese winger has intensified despite United’s
thrilling Champions League final victory over Chelsea.
But Ferguson said: “You get used to Real Madrid’s performance in these things. I read last night that Calderon’s talking, Schuster’s talking, and they use this market as a vehicle to unsettle players.
"The simple facts are that he is with us and has four years left on his contract and that’s the first thing. And Calderon makes that great statement ‘slavery was abolished many, many years ago’. Did he tell Franco that? Give me a break.
“In terms of great clubs, Barcelona have far better moral issues than Real Madrid will ever have. We know Real are not the only club with an interest in Ronaldo but they are not saying so.
“Do you not think we’ve not had many interests from the big clubs in Europe about our best players? Of course. But they don’t get into the nonsense that they get into. They think that they can ride roughshod over everyone but they won’t do it with us.”
Cristiano Ronaldo today cast a shadow over Manchester United’s Champions League victory by refusing to commit his future to the club.
Just 12 months ago Ronaldo signed a new five-year contract, worth £120,000 a week to the Portugal winger.
But reports from Spain suggest the 23-year-old could be close to agreeing a move to Real Madrid if United are prepared to negotiate.
Significantly, in the wake of last night’s triumph over Chelsea, Ronaldo would not confirm that he will be at Old Trafford next season.
“I never promise anything,” he said. “I don’t promise anything to my mum and I don’t promise anything to the supporters. I want to stay. But the future? No one knows.”
It is rumoured that Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, met with Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic just before the match in Moscow.
The player said: “Nobody spoke with me.” But he added: “We will see in the
next two weeks.”
Ronaldo is just one year into a five-year contract at United but his mum has previously stated that she would love to see her son play at the Bernabeu during her lifetime.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes his side's hopes of wresting Ronaldo away from United rest on what the player himself wants.
"The players play where they want. If a player decides to leave he is unstoppable, slavery was abolished a long time ago, nobody can prevent a player from moving," Calderon was quoted as telling Punto Radio.
"If the player is firm in his decision there is no one who can hold him back. I have always said that if Manchester want to sell him, we will ask about him, and if he wants to come and we can pay what they ask."
United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz, however, claims Ronaldo has no intention of leaving.
"Without doubt he is going to continue in Manchester. He is very happy with us, he has a contract and there is no fear that he will leave," Queiroz, the former Real Madrid coach, said on Canal Plus.
Just 12 months ago Ronaldo signed a new five-year contract, worth £120,000 a week to the Portugal winger.
But reports from Spain suggest the 23-year-old could be close to agreeing a move to Real Madrid if United are prepared to negotiate.
Significantly, in the wake of last night’s triumph over Chelsea, Ronaldo would not confirm that he will be at Old Trafford next season.
“I never promise anything,” he said. “I don’t promise anything to my mum and I don’t promise anything to the supporters. I want to stay. But the future? No one knows.”
It is rumoured that Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, met with Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic just before the match in Moscow.
The player said: “Nobody spoke with me.” But he added: “We will see in the
next two weeks.”
Ronaldo is just one year into a five-year contract at United but his mum has previously stated that she would love to see her son play at the Bernabeu during her lifetime.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes his side's hopes of wresting Ronaldo away from United rest on what the player himself wants.
"The players play where they want. If a player decides to leave he is unstoppable, slavery was abolished a long time ago, nobody can prevent a player from moving," Calderon was quoted as telling Punto Radio.
"If the player is firm in his decision there is no one who can hold him back. I have always said that if Manchester want to sell him, we will ask about him, and if he wants to come and we can pay what they ask."
United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz, however, claims Ronaldo has no intention of leaving.
"Without doubt he is going to continue in Manchester. He is very happy with us, he has a contract and there is no fear that he will leave," Queiroz, the former Real Madrid coach, said on Canal Plus.
The Football Association have written to Avram Grant and asked him to explain his claim that referees Steve Bennett and Mike Dean handed Manchester United the title on a plate.
The Chelsea manager could now be charged with misconduct after he questioned Bennett's integrity following his display in United's match at Wigan on Sunday.
United won 2-0 to ensure they beat Chelsea to the title by two points, but Grant was angry because Bennett failed to give Wigan a penalty when Rio Ferdinand handled in the area or show Paul Scholes a second yellow after he fouled Wilson Palacios.
Grant chose yesterday's official press conference previewing Chelsea's Champions League Final match against United in Moscow next week to make his feelings known.
He said: “The referee? He was, as expected, good for one team. I think in England there are some very good referees.
“But there are some — a few of them — you can influence, like you saw.”
Grant also claimed Dean, who was in charge of Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to United in Grant's first game in charge in September, was wrong to send off John Obi Mikel। The FA will also study a video recording of Grant's comments, although it is understood the Israeli's guilt is not considered clear cut at this stage.
Sir Alex Ferguson today insisted that he would not allow the Chelsea manager's mind games to disrupt his plans for next week's final. Grant's remarks had come as no surprise to Ferguson, who said: “I could go on and on myself.
“We feel we didn't get any decisions during the season.
“Maybe, when we went to Chelsea we should have been champions by then.”
Meanwhile, Didier Drogba has told Grant he must play him up front with Nicolas Anelka if Chelsea are to beat United.
The Blues boss favours the 4-3-3 formation used by Jose Mourinho with Drogba playing up front on his own. But Drogba believes he should be paired with Anelka in Wednesday's Champions League Final with United.
He said: “I have a lot of admiration and respect for Nicolas. He came to England very young and had to prove himself in a very demanding League.
“I'm a bit disappointed we've not been able to play together all that often since he arrived in January.
“But given the chance we can do a lot of damage to defences. Hopefully that will be the case against United.”
The Chelsea manager could now be charged with misconduct after he questioned Bennett's integrity following his display in United's match at Wigan on Sunday.
United won 2-0 to ensure they beat Chelsea to the title by two points, but Grant was angry because Bennett failed to give Wigan a penalty when Rio Ferdinand handled in the area or show Paul Scholes a second yellow after he fouled Wilson Palacios.
Grant chose yesterday's official press conference previewing Chelsea's Champions League Final match against United in Moscow next week to make his feelings known.
He said: “The referee? He was, as expected, good for one team. I think in England there are some very good referees.
“But there are some — a few of them — you can influence, like you saw.”
Grant also claimed Dean, who was in charge of Chelsea's 2-0 defeat to United in Grant's first game in charge in September, was wrong to send off John Obi Mikel। The FA will also study a video recording of Grant's comments, although it is understood the Israeli's guilt is not considered clear cut at this stage.
“We feel we didn't get any decisions during the season.
“Maybe, when we went to Chelsea we should have been champions by then.”
Meanwhile, Didier Drogba has told Grant he must play him up front with Nicolas Anelka if Chelsea are to beat United.
The Blues boss favours the 4-3-3 formation used by Jose Mourinho with Drogba playing up front on his own. But Drogba believes he should be paired with Anelka in Wednesday's Champions League Final with United.
He said: “I have a lot of admiration and respect for Nicolas. He came to England very young and had to prove himself in a very demanding League.
“I'm a bit disappointed we've not been able to play together all that often since he arrived in January.
“But given the chance we can do a lot of damage to defences. Hopefully that will be the case against United.”
In a clear attempt to make them put in a committed performance at Chelsea on what promises to be a dramatic last day of the season, the Manchester United manager has pointed to a night out Bolton's players had on Monday.
Ferguson said: 'All you wonderful people in the Press have been talking about the integrity of Wigan but nobody has even mentioned Bolton. All we have seen is Wigan players saying how they will beat Manchester United on Sunday. Fine. I have no problem with that.
'But then you hear about Bolton players out all week celebrating. Both teams are safe but one is all keyed up to play Manchester United and the other one is out celebrating.'
Bolton manager Gary Megson confirmed yesterday that Ferguson's spies had indeed spotted his players at The Living Room in central Manchester on Monday. But he insisted they were not 'celebrating' and had been out only that night and not, as Ferguson said, all week.
'The players were not celebrating,' said Megson. 'They went out together, which they have done in the past on Monday night. But since that point they have been preparing properly and I can assure Sir Alex and everybody else that we will be going into the Chelsea game as prepared as we possibly can be, and giving it everything that we possibly can.
'Wigan are safe, but we are not. We have got to make sure we retain our status.'
A heavy defeat for Bolton and huge wins for Reading and Fulham is the only way Megson's side can go down, and Ferguson clearly thinks they are in a comfort zone that will make life easy for Chelsea.
'The only thing that gives me confidence about Bolton is the manager and the assistant manager,' he said. 'I have known Archie Knox for many years, having worked with him at Manchester United and Aberdeen, and I wish he was playing on Sunday because he will not enjoy hearing about his players going out celebrating. Neither will Gary Megson when there is such an important game in the offing.'
Megson added: 'I am not at all disappointed by the comments. I spoke to Sir Alex in the week. I speak to him a lot.'
Ferguson says defender Nemanja Vidic will return against Wigan tomorrow, but thinks the best Wayne Rooney can hope for is a place on the bench after his hip injury. But he believes Rooney will be ready for the Champions League Final in Moscow.
The United manager said: 'We are going to Wigan and it doesn't matter what the Wigan and Chelsea players are saying. We are going there with a genuine chance of winning the League, supported by some fantastic fans.
'I imagine it will be half United and half Wigan and you don't often get that in the Premier League. We would normally get around 4,000 tickets but, believe me, Manchester United fans have been buying tickets all week at the Wigan end.'
Financial results show United posted a significant loss last year, have increased debt to their creditors and are yet to pay over £56million in transfer fees for players.
Accounts released this week by Red Football Joint Venture Ltd, the company set up when American businessman Malcolm Glazer bought the club three years ago, showed United posted a £58.2m loss in the year ending June 30, 2007.
The net result was an improvement on the £135.3m loss posted in the previous year as the club's revenue in 2007 rose 21 per cent to £210.1m.
However, the figures also revealed the club had borrowings of £666.7m in the year, up from £603.9m the previous year.
That took the total owed to creditors to £764m, including £56m in transfer fee instalments.
Arsene Wenger fears his young Arsenal team are in danger of breaking up after it emerged that Emmanuel Adebayor has demanded £80,000 a week to stay at the club.
The 24-year-old striker signed a new contract last summer worth a weekly £35,000, but he has told Wenger he wants to be paid in line with the top players in the Barclays Premier League.
The manager fears a salary and transfer explosion this summer, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool expected to spend upwards of £50m each on top-class signings.
Despite claiming he can compete with United and Chelsea on the field over the next few years, Wenger has privately expressed fears that Arsenal will soon be too far behind the top teams in financial terms.
Mathieu Flamini became the first to walk out when he agreed a move to AC Milan earlier in the week, turning down Arsenal's £55,000-a-week offer, and it is feared others may follow.
Alexander Hleb is determined to move to Inter Milan in the summer and Jens Lehmann has played his last game.
Adebayor, after suffering an initial knockback, is expected to make more noises following Sunday's final game of the season at Sunderland.
His agent Stephane Courbis said: 'Now is not the time to talk about his contract. We'll wait until next week.'
Hleb's agent Nikolai Shpilevski said last night: 'Alexander is preparing to make one of the most important moves of his life. He is leaving Arsenal even though they want to offer him a new long-term contract and better conditions. There's no way back now.'
Wenger claimed his current team could eclipse the 2004 'Invincibles', but Arsenal are falling behind the top clubs in Europe in terms of transfer fees and salaries.
Despite claims from former chief executive Keith Edelman that the manager has a pot of gold at his disposal, it is thought Wenger's hands are tied in the transfer market, largely due to the crippling cost of their two-yearold Emirates Stadium.
All that could be solved if the club were to accept the help of Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, but chairman Peter Hill-Wood and director Danny Fiszman say no.
Arsenal, along with Chelsea, have been offered the chance to sign Thierry Henry, but Wenger has turned down the opportunity.
Henry was deemed a 'special case' when he signed a contract worth £130,000 a week at the Emirates in the aftermath of the defeat in the 2006 Champions League final, but Arsenal are no longer in a position to pay that kind of figure.
Chelsea, who bid £50m for Henry when Roman Abramovich arrived in English football, also considered taking him back from Barcelona but have decided against it.
The 24-year-old striker signed a new contract last summer worth a weekly £35,000, but he has told Wenger he wants to be paid in line with the top players in the Barclays Premier League.
Despite claiming he can compete with United and Chelsea on the field over the next few years, Wenger has privately expressed fears that Arsenal will soon be too far behind the top teams in financial terms.
Mathieu Flamini became the first to walk out when he agreed a move to AC Milan earlier in the week, turning down Arsenal's £55,000-a-week offer, and it is feared others may follow.
Alexander Hleb is determined to move to Inter Milan in the summer and Jens Lehmann has played his last game.
Adebayor, after suffering an initial knockback, is expected to make more noises following Sunday's final game of the season at Sunderland.
His agent Stephane Courbis said: 'Now is not the time to talk about his contract. We'll wait until next week.'
Hleb's agent Nikolai Shpilevski said last night: 'Alexander is preparing to make one of the most important moves of his life. He is leaving Arsenal even though they want to offer him a new long-term contract and better conditions. There's no way back now.'
Wenger claimed his current team could eclipse the 2004 'Invincibles', but Arsenal are falling behind the top clubs in Europe in terms of transfer fees and salaries.
Despite claims from former chief executive Keith Edelman that the manager has a pot of gold at his disposal, it is thought Wenger's hands are tied in the transfer market, largely due to the crippling cost of their two-yearold Emirates Stadium.
All that could be solved if the club were to accept the help of Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, but chairman Peter Hill-Wood and director Danny Fiszman say no.
Arsenal, along with Chelsea, have been offered the chance to sign Thierry Henry, but Wenger has turned down the opportunity.
Henry was deemed a 'special case' when he signed a contract worth £130,000 a week at the Emirates in the aftermath of the defeat in the 2006 Champions League final, but Arsenal are no longer in a position to pay that kind of figure.
Chelsea, who bid £50m for Henry when Roman Abramovich arrived in English football, also considered taking him back from Barcelona but have decided against it.
Cristiano Ronaldo placed his name alongside two of Manchester United's most illustrious strikers yesterday when his two goals in the 4-1 defeat of West Ham took his season's tally to an incredible 40.
Only Old Trafford legend Denis Law and Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy have claimed 40 goals in a season for United — and Ronaldo's feat in joining them leaves Sir Alex Ferguson tantalisingly close to claiming his 10th Premier League crown in 16 years.
United will wrap it up if they win at Wigan next Sunday, and Ferguson grabbed the microphone after yesterday's victory to tell 76,000 ecstatic Old Trafford fans: 'Enjoy yourselves there next weekend."
Ferguson also raved about double Footballer of the Year Ronaldo. "His goal record is phenomenal, and 90 per cent of the time he has been playing as a wide player," said the manager.
"The boy is developing all the time. He also showed his courage when he took a terrible tackle and came back. That's a great signal to anyone who wants to kick him out of the game."
Ronaldo struck twice inside 24 minutes — the second bouncing off his thigh — to take his Premier League tally to 30, a milestone which saw a local bookmaker make a £50,000 donation to Manchester Children's Hospital.
Carlos Tevez and Michael Carrick sealed the points and because of their vastly superior goal difference, United will effectively be champions if Chelsea lose at Newcastle on Monday.
Only Old Trafford legend Denis Law and Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy have claimed 40 goals in a season for United — and Ronaldo's feat in joining them leaves Sir Alex Ferguson tantalisingly close to claiming his 10th Premier League crown in 16 years.
Ferguson also raved about double Footballer of the Year Ronaldo. "His goal record is phenomenal, and 90 per cent of the time he has been playing as a wide player," said the manager.
"The boy is developing all the time. He also showed his courage when he took a terrible tackle and came back. That's a great signal to anyone who wants to kick him out of the game."
Ronaldo struck twice inside 24 minutes — the second bouncing off his thigh — to take his Premier League tally to 30, a milestone which saw a local bookmaker make a £50,000 donation to Manchester Children's Hospital.
Carlos Tevez and Michael Carrick sealed the points and because of their vastly superior goal difference, United will effectively be champions if Chelsea lose at Newcastle on Monday.
