Pienaar hopes Baines Stays

Steven Pienaar is hopeful that Everton will hold on to left-back Leighton Baines, who has been linked with a summer move to Manchester United.

Pienaar, 30, re-signed for Everton this week for £4.5 million, 18 months after leaving the club for Tottenham, where he struggled for first-team opportunities.

After penning a four-year contract at Goodison Park, the South African midfielder has set his sights on the Toffees retaining their best players, including reported United target Baines.

He said in the Guardian: "It's not up to me. It's up to the club to keep their best players but hopefully he'll stay and so will the rest of the guys. It will be important for the team

"We had a good understanding in the last couple of seasons so, if he stays, it will just make everyone happy as well because we know how important he is to the entire team.

"He can score goals from set pieces and it's not just me who benefits from playing alongside him. He's a vital player for the club everyone knows it from the manager to the supporters. Let's hope and see if we can hold on to him."

Pienaar added: "Leighton texted me a few weeks ago asking me what was happening with me but I didn't ask him about his future. I know he's had some great seasons at the club and, if he does get the opportunity to move, I think everyone will respect it.

"But for the club it's important to keep your best players and we all want him to stay and he knows it. It's not in our hands, though."

Lindegaard Signs New Contract

Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has agreed a new four-year deal.

Denmark international Lindegaard, 28, moved to Old Trafford from Aalesund in January, and he impressed during a run in the first-team last season before losing his place due to injury.

The form of David de Gea in the second half of the season has seen Lindegaard fall down the pecking order, but he said he is relishing the challenge.

"I'm very pleased to have signed a new contract," he told the club's official website. "I'm glad and proud that the manager has shown the confidence he has in me by giving me a new deal.

"There is nowhere in the world I would rather be than right here. The competition for places is tough, as it should be in a club like this. It only makes us better as individuals and, more importantly, stronger as a team.

"It's what I have dreamt of all my life and nothing makes me more proud than wearing the Manchester United badge."

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed Lindegaard remained in contention for the No. 1 spot and is delighted he has agreed to prolong his stay at the club.

"Anders is still relatively young for a goalkeeper but he has come on leaps and bounds since joining us last year," Ferguson said. "There is healthy competition in the goalkeeping department, which is always good for the team, albeit a headache for me!

"I am delighted he has signed a new contract and also delighted to see that he has clearly returned from the summer break in good shape after the disappointment of suffering an injury last season."

Man Utd Chief Expects to Spend £40m

Manchester United expect to spend £40 million in the summer transfer window, according to the club's Chief Operating Officer Michael Bolingbroke.

Sir Alex Ferguson has already brought in Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa for £17 million from Borussia Dortmund and Crewe teenager Nick Powell for £4 million.

United have also bid for Sao Paulo and Brazil youngster Lucas Moura - and Bolingbroke said more money has been put aside to strengthen the squad, suggesting Ferguson has at least £20 million more at his disposal.

They have a projected net spend of £40 million and money has already been raised by selling Ji-sung Park to QPR and letting Ritchie de Laet and Matty James go to Leicester. Ferguson's transfer budget could be increased further if Dimitar Berbatov leaves the club.

Speaking at an investor roadshow ahead of the club's IPO, Bolingbroke said that United's net spend over the last 10-15 years had averaged out at between £20-25 million but added: "We are giving guidance at the moment that the current transfer period could result in net expenditure nearer £40 million."

United 'postpone share flotation'

Manchester United are believed to have postponed plans for a £200 million initial public offering (IPO) flotation on the New York stock exchange amid volatility in world financial markets.

Although the club, owned by the Glazer family, has neither confirmed nor denied that the plan has been shelved, a postponement would represent another setback to attempts to list the shares.

Last year, proposed flotations on the Singapore and Hong Kong stock markets were abandoned in an increasingly uncertain economic environment.

This summer's US flotation was reported to have been put on the back burner in a week that saw 2% wiped off Wall Street's S&P 500 index.

United had been hopeful of beginning a series of presentations to potential share buyers this week, but further uncertainty in the eurozone is feared to have made those potential investors more cautious. However, some reports indicate that the club could still price the offering at some stage during the week beginning August 13.

The Glazers bought United for £790 million in 2005, but the deal sparked unrest among supporters concerned by its reliance on debt financing.

The Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST) said it would back the share flotation if it enabled much of United's debt, which stands at more than £420 million, to be paid off.

Fans hope that would enable the club to spend more heavily on players amid fears that neighbours Manchester City, who snatched the title from United last season, could be moving ahead of their Old Trafford rivals.

The prospectus for the IPO contained an admission that the club's present debt could hamper its ability to compete in the transfer market.

The complex IPO would bring in two classes of shares, effectively leave the Glazers in total control and require a new Manchester United company to be based in the Cayman Islands, and MUST has urged the United owners to launch a full flotation with only one class of share.

"We now call on the Glazers to come back with a full flotation of Manchester United with a single class of full voting shares,'' Duncan Drasdo, the MUST chief executive, said.

"Should they choose to do this, with no strings attached, we would support such a flotation wholeheartedly and encourage the global fan base of Manchester United to seize such an historic opportunity to secure a meaningful fan ownership stake where the priorities of the club are the same as the fans - not absentee owners.''

Fergie Hails 'attacking asset' Kagawa

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has praised the impact made by new signing Shinji Kagawa, who scored his first goal for the club in a 1-0 friendly win against Shanghai Shenhua on Wednesday.

Attacking midfielder Kagawa joined United from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in a £17 million deal last month and has already made an impression.

The Japan international, who scored 13 goals in 31 Bundesliga games as Dortmund won a league and cup double last term, landed the man of the match award at Shanghai Stadium after capping an influential display with the winning goal.

"His awareness of receiving the ball, his speed in turning and how he attacks defenders is an asset to us," Ferguson told MUTV. "He's going to be a really good player, and he impressed.

"He was man of the match and he deserved that. He took his goal quite well, although it was a deflection. It was good work by Bebe, too, who set it up for him."

Kagawa played down his impact on United's pre-season tour of Asia and said he was focused on hitting top form when the Premier League campaign begins and some of United's star names return.

"I'm happy that I scored, but we weren't playing against a top opponent," the 23-year-old said. "Once our internationals return, I'll be able to play at a higher level."

Shanghai went into the prestigious pre-season game without star names Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba, and were outplayed for long spells. United squandered a number of decent chances before Kagawa scored halfway through the second half.

United were a cut above for the most part, and their attacking threat improved when they brought on Bebe at the break. Having scored against Ajax Cape Town at the weekend, Bebe hugged the left flank and had great success against the Shanghai right back.

On two occasions, he drew decent saves from the keeper before turning provider for Kagawa to net. After streaking past his man, he showed awareness to pick out Kagawa who fired home with the help of a deflection.

Bebe was criticised for his displays last season following his move from Vitoria de Guimaraes and was farmed out on loan to Besiktas - but on the evidence of his pre-season efforts he looks a different player. He almost capped a fine 45-minute cameo with an audacious drive from around 40 yards that forced a fine diving save from the 'keeper.

United moved fast to sign Powell

Manchester United had to move quickly to stave off competition from other clubs and sign Crewe's highly-rated midfielder Nick Powell, Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed.

Powell caught the eye with a series of fine performances as Crewe reached the League Two play-offs, scoring a dazzling volley in the final as they beat Cheltenham 2-0 to secure promotion.

United formally completed the deal to sign the 18-year-old on July 1, but Ferguson said the club had put the formalities in place earlier amid growing interest in him.

"We thought that, if we waited until the play-offs, the secret would be out, so to speak. All the TV cameras would be focused on him and it might alert a few other clubs," he told United's official website.

"Mind you, there were already quite a few interested. As well as Arsenal and Chelsea, we knew Manchester City were keeping tabs on him, so I phoned [Crewe director of football] Dario Gradi, told him we were keen, and we started negotiating.

"We sorted the deal with the chairman and agreed we'd leave it until after the play-off finals. It was all in place a good 10 days beforehand.

"Nick's agent told Nick after the match, and then he came up to my house the next day and we got the deal done.''

Sao Paulo hopeful of Lucas to Utd deal

Sao Paulo vice-president Joao Paulo de Jesus Lopes says he remains hopeful an agreement with Manchester United can still be reached over Brazil starlet Lucas Moura.

Lucas' agent all but ruled out a summer switch to Old Trafford on Tuesday after United's €35 million bid was rejected by the Brazilian club. However, Sao Paulo now claim they are open to negotiations with United before the transfer window closes.

"I don't rule out the possibility that in the future we open negotiations with Manchester United as we received them with great courtesy," Lopes told Radio Estadao ESPN.

"And there is the possibility they come back with another offer. Their approach was serious. Other teams have also expressed interest for Lucas, but only through the press from their countries."

Sao Paulo's economic rights ownership of Lucas is set to drop by 10% on August 1, which would see the club risk losing out on around €4 million should they fail to agree to terms in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Lucas has instructed his representative to continue talks with United while there is still a possibility that a deal can take place.

"My boss is the player. I always talk to him," agent Wagner Ribeiro told Radio Globo. ''The person who determines what I do, and my guidelines, is the player. If he says he does not want to leave Sao Paulo, I wouldn't even accept an offer.

"He told me to go ahead when I spoke about the interest of Manchester [United]. It's a great proposal. If it was something he couldn't refuse, he would go. But he is also happy in Sao Paulo. [But] if he stays at Sao Paulo, life goes on."

Lucas won't leave - Agent

The agent of Brazil star Lucas Moura believes that Manchester United will not raise their bid for his client, leaving any deal in tatters.

Lucas, 19, was thought to be close to a switch from Sao Paulo to the Red Devils, but the two clubs have failed to agree on a fee after Manchester United's €35 million bid was rejected.

Now, with Sao Paulo reported to have changed their mind over a sale should they receive an increased bid, agent Wagner Ribeiro has claimed that the Premier League side have reached their limit for Lucas and a deal will not take place.

"They have reached their limit," Ribeiro told UOL. "Lucas Moura won't leave. He is happy at Sao Paulo. We have to forget this subject. There is no possibility he leaves now.

"Manchester United made an offer, which was rejected and they won't make another one as they have reached their limit."

For Sao Paulo, the decision not to sell represents a major financial gamble. Lucas' economic rights are currently 80% owned by the club, with the player retaining the remaining 20%, but from August 1 that ownership share will fall by 10% under the terms of his contract.

If a deal cannot be struck by Tuesday next week, Sao Paulo risk losing nearly €4 million off any equivalent value transfer, with many believing that this financial reality will see further developments made in the coming days.

Fergie: Drogba move was tempting

Sir Alex Ferguson has said he could have been tempted to sign Didier Drogba had the striker wanted to stay in England after deciding to leave Chelsea.

The Ivorian striker became a Stamford Bridge legend during his time with the Blues, and bowed out by scoring a dramatic late equaliser and the winning shoot-out penalty in the Champions league final win over Bayern Munich in Germany.

He said he wanted a new challenge after coming to the end of his Chelsea contract and signed for China's Shanghai Shenhua - who play United in a friendly on Wednesday - but Ferguson said he would have been tempted by the thought of working with him at Old Trafford.

"The decision was his anyway - and he said if he was going to leave Chelsea he wouldn't play for another club in England," he told a press conference in Shanghai. "So that answered that question, but I could have been tempted."

Ferguson added that he had been very impressed by United summer signing Shinji Kagawa's performances on the tour, saying he had been quick to work out what was needed despite not yet being able to speak English.

Kagawa, who joined from Borussia Dortmund, has settled into life at his new club rapidly, the manager said, adding: "The thing that's quite impressed me is that, every exercise we do on the training ground, he's never needed it to be explained.

"After one demonstration, he joins in as if he's known the language forever. Of course we know he doesn't speak the language, but it isn't a problem. It just goes to show that a good footballer can pick up exactly what's needed. He's been fantastic in that respect."

His enthusiasm was mirrored by Rio Ferdinand, who said: "He's been fantastic. He's quick, he's sharp, he has great awareness, he plays off both feet.

"I'm excited about playing with him and getting the season started. He's been one of the better players in Germany for the last few years. I think he will bring that form to Manchester United. I think he'll be a great acquisition."

Fletcher Expects to Return

Darren Fletcher has assured Manchester United fans that he expects to return to first-team action, despite his ongoing lay-off on medical grounds.

Fletcher had established himself as a key part of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad over recent seasons, but a chronic bowel condition saw him disappear from action in December.

Such is the nature of Fletcher's condition that the possibility exists that he may never return to the level reached earlier in his career, and it has even been suggested that the Scotland international will be forced into retirement.

Fletcher does not believe that to be the case, though, and while he does not currently know when he expects to be back, the midfielder is convinced he will play for the club again.

"That's not really an option," Fletcher said of retirement in the Daily Star. "I just want to keep playing. I know one day I will be back. I'm only 28 and want to give myself every opportunity.

"I've not started training yet, but I'm listening to the doctors and just taking my time. At the moment I feel like I'm capable of coming back."

United's Anderson Poised for big season

Manchester United midfielder Anderson believes he can "be a success" for the club in the coming season if he remains free of injuries.

Anderson, 24, has been at Old Trafford for five years but having arrived with a reputation as one of world football's brightest young prospects, he has struggled to develop into the key player many predicted he would become.

Injuries have been a major obstacle to the Brazil international's progress and he has featured in less than 50% of United's games in each of the past four seasons - with a cruciate injury in 2010 proving particularly difficult to recover from.

However, Anderson believes he is now back to his best and is ready to prove as much when United kick-off their Premier League campaign against Everton on August 20.

"The last two years have been very difficult," Anderson said. "No-one wants a player who has a lot of injuries. But I am still young. I am only 24. And I believe I can get through this.

"All summer I stayed in Europe to work on my knee. Now I am 100%. I don't have any more injuries. I don't have a problem. This is a very big season for me. In my first three years we won everything; Champions League, Premier League, Carling Cup. But then I suffered a cruciate injury and had a bad problem.

"I tried to push through it when I came back but it was still sore. Sometimes it was bad and the pain stayed. Sometimes you think you might have to change clubs but I love it here. The club has always helped me, as have the other players. I have worked so hard trying to get right."

United have a wealth of midfield talent at their disposal with Shiniji Kagawa arriving from Dortmund this summer to join Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley as Sir Alex Ferguson's central midfield options.

But Anderson sees no reason why he can't estabish himself as a key player and regular starter for the Red Devils in 2012-13.

"Manchester United have some good players; Scholes, Carrick, Cleverley, Giggs," he said. "If we bring in new players it will help even more, although you could say that about any club.

"The thing is, if I stay fit, I can be that player. I can be a success at United. You have seen, when I don't have a problem, I play well. The problems come when I have an injury. After six or seven games last season it felt as though one leg was 30% weaker than the other."

De Gea: 'I always had faith'

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has spoken of the difficulties he faced in his first season at Old Trafford, but believes he is learning to cope with the demands of playing in England.

De Gea, 21, who faced intense criticism after a string of early mistakes at United, came back strongly in the second half the season to firmly establish himself as the club's long-term No. 1.

Despite his game facing cross-examination in the media over the past 12 months, the Spaniard is confident he is on the right track to succeed as a Premier League goalkeeper.

"My English is getting better," De Gea said in an interview with the Guardian. "I understand most things but I find it harder to speak. English football is different, especially for a goalkeeper. It's more aggressive, more physical. It's far, far harder. The ball is in the air more and you get pushed about. And the referees don't blow anything!"

De Gea was told to bulk up by the Red Devils, with his thin frame a weakness often pointed out by observers. Asked about his work to improve physically, he said: "Eat well and lots of gym work. We're not talking about a huge amount anyway: just four or five kilos. The other thing is that I am still young and I will naturally fill out anyway."

Other reports focused on an eye operation that the club had told the 'keeper to undergo. Again, De Gea explains: "I'm just short-sighted, like loads of people. I wear contact lenses - in fact, I've got new ones - and I can see perfectly well, just like anyone. I don't understand the fuss. I put lenses in and ... perfecto."

Now at the Olympics as first-choice for the Spanish squad, De Gea believes that he is over the worst of the criticism. His on-the-pitch performances have improved and he is now acclimatised to life in England, but De Gea insists he never doubted his own ability.

He added: "There have been doubts in the first season but I always had faith in my ability. The pressure at an elite club like United is huge but Ferguson just told me to do what I did at Atletico. You have to be as strong when things go wrong but I don't get nervous. Mistakes are normal; everyone makes them.

"I think that at times people don't realise that it's not easy. You travel a lot, you work hard. When you come home in Spain, your family are waiting for you. When you're in England, they're not. For a Spaniard it's different.

"What are the worst things? From a Spaniards' perspective, it rains a lot, it's cloudy, it gets dark very early, maybe you're a bit bored. The winter can be hard: playing over Christmas is a big change. The food: it's not bad but it's not the same. You miss friends and family. People don't always appreciate that. There are hard moments.

"But those are the sacrifices you have to make to keep on growing and to improve as a footballer. And when you play, when you go on to the pitch, when you hear that atmosphere, when you play the game, that small sadness gets washed away. And then you're happy."

Smalling Suffers Setback

Manchester United have revealed that defender Chris Smalling is set to be out for a further ten weeks after undergoing an operation on a metatarsal injury.

Sir Alex Ferguson had recently said that Smalling was likely to be fit for the start of the new season as he made progress from a ruptured groin muscle, and he had been building up his fitness at the club's Carrington training base.

However, the club have now announced that he has had surgery on a metatarsal problem and is not expected to be fit before the end of September.

"It is a bad blow for the boy because he missed the end of the season with a groin injury," Ferguson said after United's pre-season friendly draw with Ajax Cape Town on Saturday.

"We thought we had him on the right road to recovery and he gets another injury, which is bad news. He got it in training on Wednesday, was diagnosed on Thursday and we decided to operate last night.

"Normally with a metatarsal you are looking at between 10 weeks and three months. He is only 21. He is young. Hopefully he gets over it.''

Jonny Evans is also due to miss the start of the season, but Nemanja Vidic is expected to return to fitness, while Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones provide further options.

Fergie: Welbeck Talks Continue

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed contracts talks are continuing with Danny Welbeck.

Welbeck's first season in United colours earned him a place at Euro 2012 with England and the youngster did not disgrace himself in the national jersey.

On the back of his displays for club and country, Welbeck has entered into talks with regard to a new deal on improved terms.

It has been claimed the club and player are wide apart in terms of an agreement and although Ferguson did not go into details, he admitted talks are continuing.

"We are negotiating with Danny's brothers," Ferguson said. "They represent him. It's difficult to say where we are with that at this moment in time."

Ferguson feels Welbeck can blossom into a key figure for United, who he claims have nurtured the forward through his teenage years.

"We've fostered him," Ferguson said. "He's always had growth spurts and things like that, so we fostered him right that period when he was developing. I don't think he's got his full body yet. I think there's a lot of growth in him yet. I don't think he'll get taller, he's 6ft 3ins now."

Man Utd in Van Persie bid

ESPN understands that Manchester United's bid for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie may have been as low as £12.5 million.

Van Persie, 28, revealed this month that he does not intend to sign a new contract with Arsenal, with his current deal due to expire in the summer of 2013.

The Netherlands international said his ambitions were not matched by the Gunners, and interest in signing him has subsequently increased.

The BBC had suggested on Friday that Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus have made offers in the region of £15 million for Van Persie, although Arsenal want a fee nearer £30 million.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson later confirmed that the Red Devils had, indeed, made an offer for the Dutch striker.

Speaking to MUTV, Ferguson said: "Obviously Arsenal have given out the fact that we've made a bid for him. We try to keep business as close as possible to us until the moment we conclude a deal. There's no point talking about something that might not happen.

"There are other clubs interested in the player. We've shown an interest and that's where we're at at the moment."

Arsene Wenger is thought to be furious that he is being backed into a corner by the club captain and if the Gunners choose to make a stand, they will demand at least double the price United may have so far offered.

Speculation is rife that the clubs are bidding low in the knowledge that Van Persie is making his future at Emirates Stadium untenable.

United 'need to offer more' for Lucas

Sao Paulo say they have rejected a Manchester United offer for midfielder Lucas Moura, telling United they "need to produce a little more".

United have so far declined to confirm or deny an interest in the 19-year-old, but officials at the Brazilian club are adamant that they have received, and turned down, a bid.

The Old Trafford club were reported to have sent a delegation to Brazil to hold talks over a transfer for Lucas, who is currently in the UK with the Brazilian Olympic squad and has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid or Inter Milan.

Sao Paolo director Marco Aurelio Cunha told TMW: "Manchester United made a very important offer of €35 million, but they would need to produce a little more.

"For us, only Neymar [in Brazil] is worth more. After him is Lucas, and we would not want to sell for less than this sort of value.

"We do not need the money. The Brazilian economy is good, television pays us and we cannot complain. For us, it is still better to have a good player than lots of money in the bank."

Vidic and Smalling to Return

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling will be fit for the start of the season but is pessimistic about Jonny Evans' chances.

Rio Ferdinand is the only senior defender to have been included in the squad for Manchester United's current tour, but Ferguson is hopeful he will have two more centre-backs in time for the trip to Everton for their Premier League season opener on August 20.

"Vidic will start the season," the manager told reporters. "I am sure of that. He's still at that level of doing a good amount of training but not the competitive level that the other lads are at. He's better off staying at Carrington.

"Smalling has done a bit of training. He had a ruptured groin muscle which needed a lot of attention, but he's made gradual progress and we expect him to start the season."

Vidic has not played since rupturing cruciate ligaments in December, and Smalling had to undergo a groin operation towards the end of the season.

Ferguson was less positive about Evans, who has undergone surgery on the ankle he injured in April.

"Evans has had an operation," he said. "I'm not sure he'll start the season, but he won't be far away."

With Fabio having been allowed to join Queens Park Rangers on loan, Ferguson revealed he is set to test 20-year-old winger Robbie Brady out at left-back in the friendly against AmaZulu on Wednesday.

"Brady is an outside-left but we believe there's a possibility he will develop into a left-back," he said. "It's an area which we're paying attention to as Patrice Evra has played an average of 45 games in the last few seasons, so it's important for Fabio to get experience at QPR because, touch wood, Evra is never injured.

"The opportunities weren't there for Fabio and he needed more opportunities. With him away at QPR, we're a bit short at left-back so that's why we're trying Brady there. We also have Tyler Blackett with us. He's a strong boy, tall and quick, and he has time on his side. He is here for the experience."

Man Utd Stay Top of Forbes List

Manchester United have retained their title as the world's most valuable sports team, according to Forbes.

Earlier this month, the club applied to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange as the Glazer family seeks to raise $100 million (£64 million) to reduce a debt level that, the application noted, "could adversely affect our financial health and competitive position".

United were valued at £1.43 billion in the latest Forbes top 50, down from £1.65 billion in the 2011 list, but were still rated 19% more valuable than their closest rivals, Real Madrid.

All 32 NFL franchises made the top 50 list, with the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, New England Patriots and Super Bowl champions New York Giants all securing spots in the top ten.

The Forbes top 50 included seven football teams, with Arsenal falling three places to tenth and Barcelona up 18 to eighth.

The Forbes Top Ten:

1 Manchester United - £1.43bn
2 Real Madrid - £1.20bn
3= NY Yankees - £1.18bn
3= Dallas Cowboys - £1.18bn
5 Washington Redskins - £1bn
6= LA Dodgers - £895m
6= NE Patriots - £895m
8 Barcelona - £838m
9 New York Giants - £831m
10 Arsenal - £825m

Berbatov Seeking Exit

Dimitar Berbatov has indicated his desire to leave Manchester United, claiming Sir Alex Ferguson has told him he can leave for £5 million.

Berbatov, 31, became increasingly marginalised at Old Trafford last season, starting only three matches after the turn of the year; in total he made 12 league appearances, scoring seven goals.

Berbatov has grown tired of being a bit-part player at Old Trafford, with Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck all ahead of him among United's striking options, and now he wants the club to stick to their promise of asking for no more than £5 million.

"The truth is I love this club, but I am not going to be useful to anyone if I am not playing," Berbatov wrote on his Facebook page. "And I want to play, I want to help, but for unknown reasons it's not going to happen, or my chances will be limited, so it's better for everyone if we say goodbye.

"If not, I am professional and I will keep doing everything I can to help my team and my team-mates, whenever I have opportunity to do so. I am tired of speculation. I read the papers and I see they say £10 million is my price. I go and talk with Sir Alex, and he says to me £5 million... So who is telling the truth, what do you think?"

Ferguson last offered comment on Berbatov at the start of July, when he revealed he expects the forward to be among the travelling party for United's pre-season tour.

"I don't think I treated Dimitar unfairly but he can feel disappointed that he didn't get more football," Ferguson told MUTV. "He's a fantastic footballer. It wasn't a great season for him last season, partly because I settled more with Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck... and Chicharito [Hernandez].

"He's a fantastic talent. Nothing has happened with Dimitar and he'll join the tour to South Africa and China."

Ferdinand Defends 'choc ice' Tweet

Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has denied being racist towards Chelsea defender Ashley Cole on Twitter, instead claiming the term "choc ice" means "fake".

Ferdinand, 33, responded to a comment on Twitter which described Cole, 31, as a "choc ice", after the latter appeared in court as a defence witness for Chelsea team-mate John Terry, who was cleared of racially abusing Rio's brother, Anton, on Friday.

A Twitter user wrote: "Looks like Ashley Cole's going to be their choc ice. Then again he's always been a sell out. Shame on him," to which Rio Ferdinand responded: "I hear you fella! Choc ice is classic! hahahahahahha!!"

The United player then reacted to criticism of his remark by writing: "And if I want to laugh at something someone tweets....I will! Hahahahaha! Now stop getting ya knickers in a twist!"

Cole, who has played regularly alongside Rio Ferdinand and Terry for England, issued a response through his lawyers on Saturday evening in an attempt to diffuse tensions.

It read: "Ashley Cole has been made aware of the discussion following comments appearing on Twitter and wishes to make it clear that he and Rio Ferdinand are good friends and Ashley has no intention of making any sort of complaint. Ashley appreciates that Tweeting is so quick it often results in off-hand and stray comments."

The term "choc ice" could be construed as a reference to a person being black on the outside and white on the inside. On Sunday morning, however, Rio Ferdinand wrote on Twitter: "What I said yesterday is not a racist term. Its a type of slang/term used by many for someone who is being fake. So there."

Although Terry, 31, has been cleared of a racially aggravated public order offence during the match between Chelsea and QPR at Loftus Road last October, he could still face a charge from the Football Association.

Giggs Considering Coaching Role

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has confirmed he will consider a career in coaching when he retires from playing football.

Giggs, 38, will play for United for at least another season after he signed a one-year extension to his contract in February.

The Welshman's former Red Devils team-mate Gary Neville ruled out a career in management on Saturday, but Giggs appears more open to the possibility.

The midfielder will skipper Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics and he sees the experience as an ideal opportunity to build on his growing skill set.

Giggs told the Daily Mirror: 'Coaching is something I'm looking at more and more. In the middle of last season, I completed my UEFA A Licence, which was good. It's a different side of things, completely different to being a player.

"I want to gather as much knowledge as I can and prepare myself as best as I can, if I do want to go into management or coaching.

"The Olympics is a great platform, it's different being involved in tournament football to league football. I ask as many questions as I can at United and I've been the same here with Great Britain."

Man Utd Make €33m Lucas Bid - Report

Reports in Brazilian newspaper Lance! state that Manchester United have made an offer of €33 million for Sao Paulo starlet Lucas Moura.

Lucas, 19, is considered one of the best prospects in the Brazilian game and has been linked with a move to Europe for some time, with Inter Milan this week linked to the young star.

After Sao Paulo director of football Joao Paulo de Jesus Lopes laughed off talk of a €25 million move to Italy, it has been the Red Devils who have been in pole position for the youngster.

The newspaper reports that Manchester United officials in the country are awaiting a response from the club, but they are hopeful that a bid in excess of the €30 million that Sao Paulo have always maintained will be required will be enough to secure Lucas' services.

Lucas will arrive in England next week as part of Brazil's Under-23 squad for the Olympic Games, where he is joined by United full-back Rafael.

Owen: I Can Still Play at The Top

Michael Owen has insisted that he can still play at the highest level and does not want to drop down a division as he looks for a new club after being released by Manchester United.

Owen, 32, was let go this summer after three seasons at Old Trafford and is confident that he can continue to play in the Premier League if he is given the chance.

"If a good opportunity doesn't come my way then so be it," Owen wrote on his official Twitter account. "I know I can still bang them in at the top level. I proved that nearly every time I played for Manchester United.

"At 32, I've still got a few years in me. At this stage of my career it has to be something that I'm going to enjoy doing.

"Not being disrespectful when I say I wouldn't play in the Championship. Always said I wouldn't drop down the leagues like some have done.

"After playing for Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle, Man Utd and England, I don't think I would enjoy that football."

Owen made just one Premier League appearance in his final season with United, and last played for the first-team in the Champions League at the beginning of November.

Kagawa Eyes Instant Impact

Shinji Kagawa is confident he can adapt to life in the Premier League, but admits his move to Manchester United will provide the "greatest challenge" of his career so far.

Kagawa joined United from Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund last month for £17 million. The transfer is the latest step in Kagawa's rapid rise, following his move to Germany from the J.League's Cerezo Osaka in 2010, and the forward says he is eager to continue this progress at Old Trafford.

"I'm happy to be here and every day I'll take the chance to improve myself and move further up," Kagawa said. "It's definitely the greatest challenge of my career and I hope to learn and improve every day.

"I've always said I have to improve my playing qualities; now I've been here a bit I can really feel the difference. It's a top-level club and environment, and when the other internationals join us it will be even better."

Despite coming under increased media scrutiny in the Premier League, Kagawa insists he is prepared for his move to England and does not anticipate any problems fitting in with his United team-mates.

"I definitely feel the attention of the media globally now. I'm a member of a great club at Manchester United," he said. "I think I can handle the pressure and am pretty confident I can adapt to the style of the Premier League.

"Everything here shows me it's a really big club and it's a great honour to play here. I want to really contribute by achieving concrete results.

"Language is very important to me. I'm very motivated to learn English; I hope I can learn it quickly so I can communicate with my team-mates very soon."

Meanwhile, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson moved to ease pressure on the Japan international, but also hinted Kagawa could have an immediate impact as the club look to reclaim the Premier League title next season.

"He can give us that bit extra in the final third of the field," Ferguson said. "If his goalscoring record continues, he could be a very good player for us.

"He can start the first league game quite easily. I've got no problem with that. We shouldn't be looking at one player changing the way we play but he could make a difference."

Martinez Would Reject Barca Approach

Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez has no intention of departing the club this summer, despite reported interest from several of Europe's giant clubs.

Martinez, 23, was part of the Athletic side that progressed to the final of the Europa League last season, before joining up with the Spanish squad for Euro 2012.

Able to play in midfield or defence, Martinez was the focus of many reports in recent weeks linking him with a move to Barcelona and Bayern Munich in particular. However, he insists that he will not be leaving this summer.

"I don't see myself playing for Barcelona. I'm very happy at Athletic,'' he told Spanish television channel Antena 3. "I have a contract until 2016. I have seen the newspapers and what it says on TV, but it is not always right.

"If you were to believe what is said I have already joined seven different teams, a different one each week. You have to ignore the rumours because they can affect you.''

Martinez reportedly has a €40 million buyout clause in his contract which would make Athletic helpless to resist his exit from the club. However, Martinez himself appears unwilling to consider an exit from the San Mames.

Fletcher Yet to Attempt Comeback

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher is yet to begin his comeback from a chronic bowel complaint.

Fletcher, 28, has been absent since December 2011 when it was announced that he would be spending time on the sidelines due to the condition, which had been affecting him since the previous season.

Ferguson, though, insisted that the club will give the midfielder "all the time he needs" to recover from his medical problems.

"He has not started training with us,'' confirmed the United boss. "He has obviously got great challenges ahead. We are happy to be patient but he won't be starting the season.

"It is unfortunate because he is such a magnificent professional and such a nice lad. If it doesn't work for him, he knows he has a position at the club anyway.''

Ferguson: Maybe One More Signing

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes he could make "possibly one more" signing during the summer transfer window.

Ferguson has already brought in Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund and youngster Nick Powell from Crewe, while Michael Owen and Park Ji-Sung are the big names to have left the club so far.

It has been reported that United are in the market for a left back, with Everton's Leighton Baines linked with an arrival, while midfield is thought to be an area that could be further bolstered.

But Ferguson was coy when asked about his remaining transfer dealings, saying: "There will possibly be one more. We have always done well in terms of getting players in at the end of the season. That is the right time.

"But always in a European Championship or World Cup year, there is a delay in the transfer industry. That is over now and we are still trying to get one more in."

Ferguson admitted he would not abandon the continental market in his search for young talent despite suffering another setback this summer with the departure of Paul Pogba.

"The important thing is to look at the ability of a player, and also character, which is important too,'' he said. "It is not a matter of signing him because he is English.

"We were disappointed in Paul Pogba. He showed a lack of respect to the club. Although we always felt he was going, he never intimated it until he left. That is disappointing. But he has made his decision.''

Nevertheless, with UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules now in force, and an increasing onus on home grown talent, Powell's arrival ticks a few boxes, in addition to bringing the promise of increased longevity.

"It is always better if you get the best English players,'' added Ferguson. "You never know how football is going to change in terms of regulations for a start and it could be that home based players become very important.''

Ferguson confirmed he had spoken to old friend and Crewe director of football Dario Gradi about Powell, who will be part of United's first-team squad this season, and they, together with the player himself, believe the teenager can be of most value in a central midfield role, rather than the advanced position he occupied last season.

United had sealed the transfer prior to last term's play-offs, which has proved to be an astute piece of business given Powell's brilliant Wembley winner against Gillingham. However, whilst he accepts the step up he is being asked to make could hardly be greater, Powell is approaching his task with relish.

"It is a whole different world,'' he said. "At Crewe it is one camera and one person. At Manchester United it is the whole world.

"Crewe to Manchester United is the biggest step and I still have a lot of developing to do. But I am hoping to achieve what everyone expects me to achieve. I want to be a Manchester United player.''

Anderson Raring to GO

Manchester United midfielder Anderson is confident he is back to full fitness and is gearing up for what he sees as the most important season of his career.

The Brazilian had been a key member of United's squad last season until he was sidelined by a knee injury in November, and a hamstring problem subsequently saw him make just three appearances in 2012.

But the 24-year-old has returned to pre-season training and is determined to make his mark as United bid to reclaim the Premier League title from rivals Manchester City.

"I started last season with no problems but then I started to feel my knee a bit," Anderson told the club's official website. "It's just one of those things - some players have injuries and others don't. It's unfortunate it happened to me but I just got my head down and worked as hard as I could to get back.

"And when I came back I thought everything was fine, but then I had more bad luck. H'm just focused on staying fit now and doing my best to work hard and give 100 per cent for the team. I've been training for a few days now and I feel good. I had a nice holiday and I've had no problem with my leg.

"This season it's very important that I don't have any more injuries. I need to prove what I can do. I know the boss and my team-mates believe in me, I've just had bad luck. I want to improve as much as I can and help the team win trophies."

Anderson believes if Sir Alex Ferguson's squad can stay free of long-term injuries, they will be strong enough to fend off the challenge of City.

"We had so many injuries last season, and bad injuries as well, to lots of players. Some were out for a couple of months at a time and some longer. That definitely had an effect on our title challenge. If we keep everyone fit, I feel confident we will win the title."

Macheda Glad to be Back at United

Federico Macheda is relishing being back with Manchester United and is determined to press for regular playing opportunities in the 2012-13 season.

Macheda, 20, was sent out on loan to QPR for the second half of last campaign after struggling for chances to impress manager Sir Alex Ferguson at United.

But the Italian forward made just three substitute appearances for QPR in the Premier League as he struggled with an ankle injury.

Macheda is now back training with the Red Devils in pre-season, and he told the club's official website: "It's great to be back at Manchester United. When you go on loan you really understand how important it is to play for this club.

"I'm really happy to be back and I can't wait for the start of the season. Last season was disappointing. In the first six months I didn't get a lot of opportunities here so we decided it was best for me to go on loan.

"When I got to QPR things went a bit wrong, though, as I was feeling my ankle a lot. But now I feel a lot better and want to start the season well. It's a big season for me."

Fergie Hails 'Model Professional' Park

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson described midfielder Park Ji-Sung as "the ultimate professional" as he hailed his contribution during a seven-year spell at Old Trafford.

Park, 31, left United to join QPR for an undisclosed fee after turning down a new contract because he wanted more first team football, and Ferguson predicted he would be a big hit at Loftus Road.

The South Korean midfielder won four Premier League titles and the Champions League in a haul of 11 trophies in his time at United, and Ferguson said he had not wanted him to leave.

"He's been a fantastic servant to the club over the past seven years," the manager added. "He is the ultimate professional and such a nice lad - he never let us down on the big occasions.

"Unfortunately, I just couldn't give him the number of games he wanted. Everyone at Manchester United wishes him well for the future, and I am sure he will be a great success at QPR."

Park said leaving United had been a difficult decision, adding that he had rejected an improved wage offer in favour of a move to Mark Hughes' Rangers, who escaped relegation from the Premier League on the final day of last season.

He said he had not played as much as he had wanted to last season and had been excited by the challenge of a new start in West London.

"Man United is such a good club and everyone wants to go there and play, so for me to leave is a very difficult decision," he explained. "QPR showed me their plans and ambitions, and so I decided that, if I was going to leave United, I should join QPR."

Hughes said Park would be a contender for the QPR captaincy after Joey Barton was stripped of the post for disciplinary reasons.

"Ji will come into my thinking in terms of a new captain for the club,'' he said. "I'm sure people will want the role, and to show me they are the right for it, and that includes Ji."

United Close in On Lucas Moura Deal

Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas Moura appears to be moving closer to a £30 million switch to Manchester United after an official from the Brazilian club mocked a 'ridiculous' offer from Inter Milan.

Lucas, 19, said on Monday that he was open to a move to Europe and United have sent a delegation to Brazil to begin talks.

His father, who is also his agent, has had a meeting with Inter Milan about a possible transfer, although Sao Paulo director of football Joao Paulo de Jesus Lopes has poked fun at the Italian club's interest.

"How can you pay €25 million (£20 million) for a player of Lucas's quality?" Jesus Lopes is quoted as saying in the Daily Mail. "There is no (formal) offer and, even if it were to appear, this amount is ridiculous.

"Italian football is broke - the club (Inter) are broke. It seems they are creating this to satisfy the fans."

Attacking midfielder Lucas is attracting an increasing amount of interest from European clubs. Chelsea have already had a bid - reported to be £32 million - turned down, but United are hopeful that they can seal a transfer before Lucas comes to London to play for Brazil at the Olympics.

"You never know what can happen," Lucas said about a possible move. "I don't have a crazy desire to leave but, when the time comes, I will speak with my family and decide what is best for my future.

"Of course I think about it, but I can't let it go to my head. I'm very calm and down to earth about it. My job is to play football so that these clubs continue to be interested."

Lucas said he "cannot guarantee" that he will stay at Sao Paulo until the end of his contract, adding: "I know my father ... had a meeting [with Inter Milan], but I don't know what was said. Now I will go to the Olympics with my mind only on winning a gold medal."

The Inter president Massimo Moratti said his club hoped to complete the signing, but admitted: "I don't know if it's a hope or more a target to keep tabs on, considering the times we're in."

Vidic Ready for Pre-Season Return

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic is set to make his long-awaited comeback from injury during the second-half of the club's pre-season tour when they travel to Scandinavia.

Vidic, 30, has been out of action since suffering a knee injury in December, but should make his return in early August.

The club depart for South Africa next Monday, before continuing their pre-season travels in China. The Red Devils then return to Europe for friendlies with Valerenga and Barcelona, in Norway and Sweden respectively, when Vidic should feature.

Northern Irish defender Jonny Evans impressed in Vidic's absence last season and will resume his partnership with Rio Ferdinand for the start of the club's pre-season campaign.

Vidic's absence arguably had a major effect on the 2011-12 Premier League season, with the Serbian missing the entirety of the season run-in as Manchester United fought with rivals City for the title.

Giggs: It's a Tremendous Honour

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has expressed his pride at being named captain of the Great Britain side for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Giggs, 38, is one of three over-age players selected by head coach Stuart Pearce for Team GB, alongside Liverpool's Craig Bellamy and Manchester City's Micah Richards.

Great Britain have been drawn against Senegal, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay in Group A, with their first match of the competition versus the former on July 26.

Speaking ahead of the Games, Giggs is quoted by the Sun as saying: "It is a tremendous honour to be part of the Olympics. Stuart has given me the captaincy, which is even better. I'm really looking forward to it.

"It's a unique experience and one from the start that I wanted to be part of when I got the opportunity."

Speaking of the Welshman, Pearce said: "Ryan is the standout captain among the group. He has got the respect of all the members of the group and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Giggs' compatriot Craig Bellamy also reserved praise for the veteran, adding: "Ryan is probably one of the best players who has ever played the game.

"I have been very fortunate to play with him for my country, so I know Ryan quite well. It is very fitting he is captain and is here."

Park Set for QPR Switch

Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung is set to complete a £5 million switch to Queens Park Rangers reports suggest, although figures vary.

Park, 31, played a reduced role for Manchester United last season, but has been an influential figure in the club's recent history, often being called upon on the biggest occasions.

Formerly captain of South Korea, Park joined the Red Devils for £4 million in 2005 from PSV Eindhoven and has gone on to make 205 first-team appearances for the Old Trafford side.

QPR have announced that a press conference for local and international media will take place on Monday, with chairman Tony Fernandes, vice-chairman Amit Bhatia and manager Mark Hughes all set to attend. The announcement will reportedly "put the QPR brand on a global scale".

The press conference could be related to the club's ongoing look for a new stadium, although reports on Friday morning also suggested that the club were closing in on a South Korean signing.

"The announcement will put the QPR brand on a global scale and is further demonstration of the board's continuing efforts to move the club forward and become established in the Premier League," the release to the media said.

"QPR chairman Tony Fernandes, vice-chairman Amit Bhatia, manager Mark Hughes and CEO Philip Beard will all be in attendance. Please note, the club is in no position to make any further comment on the announcement of this press conference."

Should he sign, Park would become the fifth player to arrive at Loftus Road this summer - following the captures of Robert Green, Andy Johnson, Ryan Nelsen and the permanent signing of midfielder Samba Diakite.

Chairman Fernandes is also heavily involved in the club's search for a new stadium, updating the fans on progress via Twitter early on Friday.

"Excellent stadium meeting," Fernandes said. "Looks great. Going to make big announcement. Hopefully see Amit [Bhatia] in a few hours to brief him. Wow.

"Stadium will be in west London. Will not lose overall atmosphere. Lots to do and many pitfalls but great first step."

Subotic: Kagawa Can Shine for United

Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic believes former team-mate Shinji Kagawa can become a key player for Manchester United.

Kagawa, 23, signed for United last month after two years at Dortmund, during which time he helped the club win two successive Bundesliga titles and the 2012 German Cup.

And Subotic is convinced that the Japan playmaker will enjoy similar influence, and success, under Sir Alex Ferguson.

"He can be a really special player for Manchester United," Subotic told ESPN. "He came to our league having mainly played in the second division in Japan, but still had an immediate impact.

"He played such a big role in our success and he's still so young - he can definitely have a similar influence at United if he is given the chance.

"Of course, it will be harder than here. But if he's given time then there's no doubt the team will see the quality he has."

The arrival of Marco Reus at Dortmund has softened the blow of Kagawa's departure a little, but Subotic insists that even if Reus had not been brought in he would have been behind his former team-mate's decision to leave the club.

"Even if Marco Reus hadn't come in to replace him, I wouldn't have been disappointed for Shinji to move on at all," Subotic said.

"I am happy for him because he has taken the next step in his career and it's definitely one forward, not backward. I wish him well and I hope he gets quickly accustomed to the league so we can watch him play on TV."

United Seek to Reduce Debt

Manchester United have applied to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange as they seek to raise $100 million (£64 million) to reduce the club's debts through the sale of shares.

The Glazer family, the US sports investors who bought the club for $1.47 billion (£940 million) in 2005, would retain control of the club under the plan.

United last year abandoned a potential $1 billion (£940 million) flotation on the Singapore stock market due to the state of the global economy, but documents were filed with the United States government's Securities and Exchange Commission on Tuesday as the Glazers seek to improve the state of the club's finances.

The 2005 takeover had saddled the club with £423 million in debt, and the application states that the shares would be used towards improving the state of the club's financial health.

Under the risk factors, which must be included under Stock Exchange regulations, the document warns that the debt "could adversely affect our financial health and competitive position". Nonetheless, the Glazers believe that they will be able to "increase our revenue and profitability, by expanding our high-growth businesses that leverage our brand, global community and marketing infrastructure". The application adds: "We believe that we are one of the world's most recognisable global brands with a community of 659 million followers."

With the sale of the shares, the team would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manchester United Ltd, a newly-formed holding company based in the Cayman Islands.

Duncan Drasdo, the chief executive of the Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST), questioned the value of the shares on offer compared with those owned by the Glazers but said reducing the debt would be a positive step.

Drasdo said: "A minority shareholding with inferior voting rights and no dividends is going to severely impact on the attraction to both financial and supporter investors.

"However, if it turns out that the vast majority of the proceeds are used to pay off the debt that is certainly something MUST would welcome and entirely vindicates our long-standing position that their debt was damaging our club."

No Movement on Berbatov

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed there is currently no deal in the pipeline which would see Dimitar Berbatov leave Manchester United, but confirmed Paul Pogba is to join Juventus and hit out at a lack of respect from the French midfielder.

Berbatov has become increasingly marginalised at Old Trafford and started only three matches after the turn of the year with a further three appearances from the bench. Despite sharing the Premier League golden boot with Carlos Tevez in 2010-11, he made only 12 league appearances last season though still managed to score seven goals.

Although Berbatov was out of contract this summer United had a year's extension in their favour, which means the club will hope to recoup at least some of the £30.75 million fee they paid to Tottenham Hotspur four years ago.

There had been interest in the 31-year-old from clubs in the Bundesliga, where Berbatov spent five successful seasons with Bayer Leverkusen, but there have been no concrete offers. Turkish club Galatasaray have indicated they want to sign the striker too.

"I don't think I treated Dimitar unfairly but he can feel disappointed that he didn't get more football," he told MUTV. "He's a fantastic footballer. It wasn't a great season for him last season, partly because I settled more with Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck... and Chicharito [Javier Hernandez].

"He's a fantastic talent. Nothing has happened with Dimitar and he'll join the tour to South Africa and China."

United's pre-season tour begins with two games in South Africa against AmaZulu FC and Ajax Cape Town before they move on to China to face Shanghai Shenhua, Norway where they will play Valerenga+ Sweden to take on Barcelona and finishing in Germany against Hannover 96.

Although Berbatov remains a United player for now, there is still the chance that he could leave over the course of the transfer window.

Pogba, meanwhile, is to join Juventus after the Serie A champions' long pursuit for his services. Sir Alex was fuming about the player's conduct, saying: "Paul Pogba signed for Juventus a long time ago as far as we're aware. I don't think he showed us any respect at all.

"I'm quite happy that if they carry on that way, they're probably better doing it away from us.''

Another promising young player, Ezekiel Fryers, is also out of contract and although he has been offered a new deal the Red Devils are currently in the dark as to whether he will return.

"We haven't heard anything from Zeki Fryers,'' Sir Alex added. "I don't know what's happening there but he's not been in touch with the club. His agent hasn't been in touch with the club and I can only assume he'll be back for training.''

Sir Alex brought Pogba into the first team picture in March as rumours of a move to Italy grew. But it became clear that was not enough to keep the France Under-19 international, who United signed from Le Havre in 2009, and he did not feature in the first team squad again after being an unused substitute against Wigan on April 11.

There could yet be more new faces coming in, following on from the signings of Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund and Nick Powell from Crewe Alexandra.

"Yes, there's a possibility," said Sir Alex. "We're working on one or two things but there's nothing really to tell you to be honest.

"We always try to get our work done at the end of the season - we spent a good deal of time sorting the deal with Shinji and we'd agreed a deal with Nick Powell before the play-offs which was a good move by us because the boy had an outstanding final at Wembley.

"When you don't get deals done immediately and you're negotiating with a club over a long period, then you can't expect to just snap your fingers and get it done."

Galatasaray Eye Berbatov

Galatasaray have confirmed their interest in Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov.

The Bulgarian has suffered a remarkable fall from grace at Old Trafford, going from Golden Boot winner as United won the Premier League title in the 2010-11 season to fourth-choice striker last term.

He was a peripheral figure in 2011-12 and despite the club taking up an option to extend his contract, he seems surplus to requirements.

Links with Paris Saint Germain, Bayer Leverkusen and Lazio have so far failed to bear fruit and the 31-year-old now seems to have Turkish giants Galatasaray on his tail.

"The Bulgarian is a great forward," Galatasaray president Unal Aysal is quoted as saying on gol.bg. "I want him to join us but, of course, coach Fatih Terim has the final word."

United may well seek a new attacking face should Berbatov move on, as the club confirmed on Monday that Michael Owen had been released from his contract.

Man Utd Linked with Moutinho Swoop

Manchester United have sounded out Porto over the possibility of signing midfielder Joao Moutinho this summer, according to reports.

The Times claim United have been told that the Portugal international will command a fee of £25 million for a move to Old Trafford.

Moutinho, a creative midfielder, played in each of Portugal's matches at Euro 2012 as they reached the semi-final stage, where he missed a penalty in the shootout defeat to Spain.

He made 28 league appearances last season for Porto, who he joined for £8 million from Sporting Lisbon two years ago, scoring three goals and contributing six assists.

Should Moutinho move to Old Trafford he would become the third Sporting academy graduate to do so, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.

Sir Alex Ferguson has already reinforced the Red Devils' midfield ranks once this summer, bringing in Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund for a fee of £17.6 million.

They are thought to hold an interest in Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric, who could leave White Hart Lane in the coming weeks, but are believed to have baulked at the fee they would have to stump up for the Croatia international.

Fabio da Silva Joins QPR On Loan

QPR have signed Manchester United defender Fabio da Silva on a season-long loan.

Da Silva, 21, has agreed a deal at Loftus Road until the end of the 2012-13 campaign. He can play in both full-back positions and has also been used in midfield.

The Brazilian, who has made 53 first team appearances for United, where his twin brother Rafael is a team-mate, said he was "so happy" to be in West London.

He told QPR's official website: "This loan is so important for me in terms of my career. I want to play as many games as possible here. I want to play well and win games.

"It's a good move for my career and for my confidence. Sir Alex Ferguson said I'd enjoy it here, and told me to play as many games as I can.

"I want to help QPR progress up the Premier League. Hopefully the fans will enjoy watching me in action, because I'll do my best."

Rangers manager Mark Hughes said the deal was "a great opportunity for us to loan a good, young player who has decent experience of playing for a top club like Manchester United".

"He's played a lot of senior games for United, so it shows the quality he's got," Hughes said. "I know they think very highly of him, and we believe he has all the attributes to be a success here next season."

Rafael Extends United Stay

Manchester United defender Rafael da Silva has signed a new four-year contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until the end of the 2015-16 season.

Rafael, 21, joined United from Fluminense with twin brother Fabio in 2008, and has since earned international recognition with Brazil.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson told manutd.com: "Rafael is one of the club's brightest young prospects; he has no fear of playing and has great belief in himself.

"The boy has developed immensely since joining United, his energy and enthusiasm are a joy to watch. Rafael has all the attributes to become one of the best full-backs in the world and I am delighted he has signed a new contract."

Rafael made 18 appearances for United last season in the Community Shield, Premier League, Carling Cup, FA Cup and Europa League.

The full-back said: "I am so happy to sign a new contract. I love playing for Manchester United, there is a great team spirit here and a real desire to win.

"My time here has been unbelievable; winning two league titles, a league cup and a Club World Cup has made me hungry for more trophies. I would like to thank Sir Alex for his belief in me and I would also like to thank the fans for their support."

Baines Cool on United Talk

Everton defender Leighton Baines admits he is aware of reports linking him to Manchester United - but he sees no reason to be excited by the rumoured interest.

Baines, 27, has three years left on his Goodison Park deal and has been discussed as a potential replacement for Patrice Evra at Old Trafford.

"I've been aware of what's been said in the press but I don't know much beyond that," Baines said. "It doesn't do any harm [to be linked] but it doesn't do any good either.

"It's just one of those things that tends to swing around this time of year. People put two and two together sometimes they get four and sometimes they get three or five. It gets other people more excited than those involved."

Baines travelled with England to Euro 2012 as understudy to first-choice left-back Ashley Cole, but did not make an appearance at the tournament.