Fergie's Shopping List


By David Hobbs
August 14 2005

ManUtdWeb take a look at the possible players who are on their way to Old Trafford before the August 31st deadline. United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he'd like to bring in another player or two.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has reiterated his intentions to stay at Old Trafford despite tempting links to La Liga giants Barcelona and Real


Michael Owen
(Real Madrid)
Price: £7 - 10 million
Availability: Definitely leaving - he's 5th choice striker at Real.
Likelihood: Very likely

Sir Alex Ferguson is keeping his lips sealed regarding a possible swoop, which would be greatly beneficial to the England national side with Owen and Rooney working together every day. Newcastle have been linked, but the former Liverpool hotshot would rather play Champions League football for the Red Devils. Real Madrid have signed Robinho and Julio Baptista this summer to add to their growing strike force that also boasts Ronaldo and Raul.

Michael Ballack
(Bayern Munich)
Price: £12-15 million
Availability: Contract negotiations stalling between Ballack and Bayern.
Likelihood: Very Likely

Maybe Fergie will wait for a few months until he can snap up the tenacious German on a free transfer. He seems unlikely to sign a new deal with Bayern with United waiting to pounce. Bayern Munich officials met with United during pre-season in Japan. The Red Devils are on the lookout for a Roy Keane successor. Watch this space.

Cicinho
(Sao Paulo)
Price: £5-8 million
Availability: Sao Paulo willing to listen to sizeable offers.
Likelihood: Likely

The Brazilian international defender, renowned for his attacking qualities, has an Italian passport but whether it will clear in time for the August 31st deadline is unlikely. However, United are giving the right-back the star treatment by personally flying him to Old Trafford for a tour of the stadium.

Oguchi Onyewu
(Standard Liege)
Price: £2 million
Availability: Can be prized away, with the right offer.
Likelihood: Unlikely

Many reports claim United are interested in the American defender's services. The 23-year-old would provide cover for Rio Ferdinand and Mikael Silvestre.

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]