Manchester United double Roma's offer for Mexes

By Dave Eadevic
June 16 2004

Auxerre coach Guy Roux has admited that Machester United are willing to pay 10 million pounds for his star defender Philippe Mexes, which is double the money on offer from Roma. But the player himself is keen to move to Italy and that could turn out to be the clincher in where his future is.

While it seams it will be left to the player to decide his future, Roma are being warned that they will have to dig deep and match Manchester's offer.

"Manchester United made us a €15 million offer," Roux told France Football. "But the player's agent, who recently went to Man Utd, refused it on his behalf.

"It seems he was afraid Philippe would not play there. We were close to finding an agreement.

"Our officials met Franco Baldini, Roma's sport director, but we didn't reach an agreement. The Italian offer is too weak, between €7 and €8 million.

"Roma want Philippe but they have to give an acceptable price.

"When you sell Walter Samuel for more than €24 million to Real Madrid, you can make a beautiful effort for the young Mexes!

"I feel the Romans haven't got so much money. Our first will is to let the player go where he wants.

"However, AJA must not be damaged. Mexes still has two years left on his contract with us."