Fergie's Summer Shopping List
By Chris O'Brien / David Hobbs
August 14 2005
David Hobbs looks at the players rumoured to be top of Fergie's pre-season shopping list. Ronaldinho, Patrick Kluivert, Tim Howard and David Bellion are all names linked with a move to Old Trafford, as Sir Alex looks to strengthen his squad in time for the new campaign.
New Page 2
| As the start to the 2003/2004
season draws closer, David Hobbs takes a look at the players who are
rumoured to be head of Sir Alex Fergusons's pre-season shopping list.
PATRICK KLUIVERT
(BARCELONA)
PRICE: £5-6million
AVAILABILITY: Under contract until 2006.
LIKELIHOOD: High - if Fergie listens to Ruud.
RUUD VAN NISTELROOY could be Fergie's trump card here, as his red-hot striker
has been a constant caller to fellow Dutchman Kluivert. He has still managed 16
goals in 30 appearances for Barcelona, despite a dismal season at the Nou Camp
that has even left a UEFA Cup slot in the balance. Kluivert, 26, has been linked
with United almost constantly for years - the only difference this time is that
it will be followed up with a definite move.
RONALDINHO
(PSG)
PRICE:
£11-12
million.
AVAILABILITY:
A lot of
speculation of him leaving PSG in the summer. His contract expires in early 2006
and has issued a statement that he’d ‘love’ a move to United.
LIKELIHOOD:
High. Man Utd
have been looking for a strike partner for Van Nistelrooy and the World Cup star
is the ideal partner for him. His skill and pace could unlock the European Door for United. PSG
and United are currently negotiating a fee for the player.
TIM
HOWARD
(San
Jose Earthquakes)
PRICE: £2-3million
AVAILABILITY: He
wants to leave The USA to shine in Europe. Involved in The USA’s World Cup
squad- Sir Alex Ferguson spotted him and thinks he can fit in Peter Schmeichel’s
boots. The 23-year-old’s representatives are having talks with Man Utd on a
possible move.
LIKELIHOOD: Very High - currently in talks with United.
DAVID
BELLION
(SUNDERLAND)
PRICE:
Free -
after compensation tribunal.
AVAILABILITY:
Out of contract in July.
LIKELIHOOD:
As good as done.
UNITED will sign him for just a compensation fee as the 22-year-old French
winger is out of contract at Sunderland at the end of next month. Bellion quit
the Stadium of Light for a month at Christmas, as rumours of a United move
intensified, before returning for the last four months of the season. Fergie
tried to land him in January and since then Bellion has knocked back offers to
stay at the Stadium of Light. |
