Sir Alex Ferguson gave Real Madrid the hairdryer treatment after they made an approach for Ruud van Nistelrooy. The Manchester United manager told the striker’s advisor that there was no way he would consider selling the player. Van Nistelrooy is frustrated at United’s recent lack of success so would be tempted by a move, which could yet happen if Real offer Michael Owen in exchange.
NEWS OF THE WORLD
Craig Bellamy has cheekily told Everton he will not sign for them until he knows who else David Moyes is bringing in. And by the way, he wants £50,000 a week. A return to Newcastle United is surely impossible for the Wales striker but he is not bothered by potential conflicts with Graeme Souness and Alan Shearer if he has to return. Bellamy may even believe he can outlast Souness at Newcastle.
THE PEOPLE
Michael Owen has no future at Real Madrid after he was offered, along with Santiago Solari, the midfield player, and £20 million, to Chelsea in exchange for Frank Lampard. Chelsea rejected the offer and Lampard is content to stay, even though Real would have increased his salary. “So long as (Chelsea) continue to want him, he’ll be giving everything he can to help them win,” Steve Kutner, Lampard’s agent, said.
NEWS OF THE WORLD
Sam Allardyce may have lost two key backroom staff, Phil Brown to Derby County and Neil McDonald to Crystal Palace, but he hopes to make up for that disappointment by signing two new players. The Bolton Wanderers manager is confident of tempting Igor Tudor, the 27-year-old Croatia and Juventus defender, to the Reebok Stadium. He is also close to capturing Abdoulaye Faye, the Lens midfield player, on loan.
THE PEOPLE
Manchester United’s new signing may struggle to adapt, according to his former manager. Guus Hiddink, who coached Park Ji Sung at PSV Eindhoven, said: “The language and communication was a disaster in Holland when we signed him . . . The trouble with Park is that he is a very shy person.” Hiddink added, though, that Park is talented and intelligent and should master English.
SUNDAY MIRROR
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West Ham United are hoping to sign Luis Figo. Figo, 32, has a year left on his contract with Real Madrid but has lost his place. West Ham believe that the Portugal player’s desire to play in the Premiership will lead him to accept a cut in his wages from £90,000 a week to the £60,000 they are offering. Figo will also have the chance to play with Teddy Sheringham.
DAILY STAR