Nicky Butt to Depart?

By Chris O'Brien
June 28 2004

A number of clubs are believed to be stepping up interest in Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt. Lancastrian rivals Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers have joined Newcastle United and Middlesbrough in expressing interest for the England international.

The chase for Nicky Butt is gaining speed with three Premiership clubs believed to be interested in signing the England international. Bolton Wanderers are thought to be leading the chase for the unsettled midfielder, with Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and Middlesbrough continuing to show the interest they did during the January transfer window.

Butt had a transfer request reluctantly accepted by Manchester United in January, with Birmingham City another club who showed great interest in the holding player at the time. However, the Manchester-born midfielder then went back on his decision and vowed to fight on and try and win back his first-team place until at last the end of the season.

Butt still struggled in the latter part of the season to get the first-team recognition he hoped, and could now make a move away from Old Trafford to stop his England career suffering as a result of a lack of regular matches. Bolton are said to be tracking the situation closely, with the Trotters looking to bolster their squad as they prepare for a push for European qualification next term.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United are also considered one of the leading clubs in the race to sign Butt. Sir Bobby Robson is under pressure to take the Magpies into the top four next season, and he could see Butt as an ideal acquisition to stabilise their midfield and replace Gary Speed until the end of his career.

At the 2002 World Cup, Butt stunned fans all over the world by taking plaudits as England's star player. However, niggling injuries, a slight drop in form and long-stretches out of the first-team have stopped Butt progressing further as he hits his veteran years. A move away from Old Trafford is probably his best option, despite many United fans being disappointed with his probably departure.