Former Man United striker Diego Forlan has so far been impressive in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, after a few quotes from a United coach, he is now being linked with a move back to Old Trafford.

Forlan has so far has netted three goals in five matches for Uruguay, helping them to the semi-finals of the World Cup.

The 31-year old was at Manchester United for two years (2002-2004) and it’s fair to say that during that period, he was a flop. During those two years, he only scored 10 league goals for United.

He left United for Villarreal, staying there until 2007 when he signed for Atletico Madrid, who he still currently plays for. He has now managed to re-ignite his form and career.

Meulensteen told Voetbal International: “Diego was at the wrong place at the wrong time. But we had some individual training with Diego, for months we worked hard.

“I told him, ‘what you learn here, you will take with you’. You are a player who adds something to every squad.

“He has developed fantastically, so complete – a top athlete. I really would welcome him back to Manchester United.”

United’s coach has also revealed that he sent Forlan a text message after scoring both goals in Atletico’s 2-1 win over Fulham in the Europa Cup final back in May.

The text from Meulensteen apparently read: "Top class, if it's up to me you will return to us."

It is thought that Forlan’s reply said: "I am ready for it."

My gut feeling is that this move probably won’t happen. His performances in the World Cup will have added a few extra million on his price tag, which United probably can’t afford. Not only that but if Sir Alex Ferguson is going to buy another striker, he is more likely to go for a younger one.

Former Man United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move back to Old Trafford, despite only leaving last summer.

Ronaldo has admitted that he does miss Manchester United but he is not likely to return. He’s bound to miss the club, he was there for six years but he’s now a Real Madrid player.

"Yes, of course I miss Manchester," he said in the Daily Mirror.
He was asked if there was a possibility of him returning, his reply was: "No, I don't think I'll be going back."

I never really expected him to return, by the time he leaves Real Madrid, he won’t be at his best. We’re talking years away, but will United really want a play who isn’t at the top of his game?

Ronaldo has also been quick to defend his former teammate Wayne Rooney. After England’s 0-0 draw against Algeria last Friday, Rooney has been blamed by many. Quite rightly Ronaldo has pointed out that it wasn’t only Rooney’s fault.

"Wayne Rooney tried very hard, he's always like that, but he didn't play alone. So it's difficult, when it's not coming, when you don't score a goal or play well, it is always the big players' fault."

"Wayne is a great player and will do a good job. He'll try very hard to do a good job. I saw England's games and I'm quite surprised they didn't win them."

Rooney wasn’t at his best, the whole team weren’t at their best but you can’t just blame one player. There was a lot wrong with England, over both games, from team selections to the wrong formation, to lay the blame at Rooney’s door is unfair. 

This week Chelsea released midfielder Michael Ballack after both club and player were unable to reach an agreement over his contract. Rumours today suggest that Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is interested in signing the injured German captain.

For me this story is a non starter, the only reason I can see for United being linked to him is because of the amount of debt the club is in. If there were no financial difficulties, would United be linked with a move for him? No!

I don’t want to see him at Manchester United, I don’t like him and that is putting it nicely. Sir Alex Ferguson holds a grudge as we all know, would he really sign a player who rejected Manchester United for only a few years ago?

Ballack is 33 years-old, his legs have gone and he is no longer at his best. Would signing him improve the team and be a move forward? No it wouldn't. He would add some experience but there are already experienced players in the Man United squad.

For me this story is just as ridiculous as the one that linked Nemanja Vidic with a move to Manchester City!

There were a rumours going around yesterday suggesting that Chelsea’s Joe Cole had signed a 3-year contract with Arsenal, these rumours were not true.

Cole is out of contract at Chelsea, which would make him a free agent. He has obviously been linked with some top clubs, including Manchester United.

He would be a great signing, not only is he free, he’s got the skill, but he has also got experience playing in the Premier League. He won’t need time to get used to the style of the Premier League.

It really depends on what Cole wants, there are ‘sources’ which have said that he would like to join United, if that falls through then he would join Tottenham Hotspur. He’s got a young baby, would he want to move up to Manchester or stay down in London?

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has claimed that he believes that Cole has already signed for another club. It is thought that Cole’s agent was in talks with United over the weekend.

Cole is currently out in South Africa with the England squad and is expected to make a decision on his future after the World Cup, which leaves plenty of time for more rumours over his future.We'll have to wait and see.

If Manchester United want winger Angel di Maria then it rumours have it that it will be United midfielder Anderson who may have to pay the price.

The Argentine International has a price tag rumoured to be around the £38 million mark, which United are unlikely to pay. But a compromise could be made, which would see Man United midfielder Anderson plus £10 million be exchanged for the winger.

The 22 year-old who is currently plying his trade with Portuguese side Benfica has also been linked with other clubs such as Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Di Maria could be a fantastic edition to the squad; he’s an exciting prospect who could flourish at Man United. He’s got bags of talent and a lot of skill, well worth watching on youtube if you have a spare few minutes.

Anderson’s had a mixed season for United, there have been a few descent performances but he did disappear off to Brazil, he returned and unfortunately for him, his season ended early after a rupturing a cruciate ligament. His main issue is that he is inconsistent, if he improves that; we’d probably see him playing in the first team more often.

Is Sir Alex ready to call time on Anderson’s career at Old Trafford? At £38 million, that’s probably too expensive for United, especially for one player.

Realistically United can’t afford that price tag, there are reports that United are considering selling Zoran Tosic. He may not be worth as much as Anderson but he could be used as a bargaining deal, if he is already on the way out of the club. Just a thought and probably won't go any further than that!

With the football season over for all Premier League clubs, thoughts have turned to which players arrive and leave. As usual, Man United have been linked with a move for many players, most of which will never happen.

It’s believed that Man United and Arsenal are set to battle it out for Everton’s central defender and midfielder Phil Jagielka. Arsenal may bid for him but at 28-years old, Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to go for the defender. We already know that 20-year old Chris Smalling will be joining us in the summer from Fulham; will Sir Alex go for another centre-back? I don’t think so.

The News Of The World think that United believe they have found the perfect replacement for Edwin Van Der Sar- Marseille keeper Steve Mandanda. The 25-year old has said:

"Naturally I should be staying at Marseille next season but you never know," he told a press conference.

"I've not had any contact with any club but all I know my dream is to play in the Premier League."

It’s not the first time we’ve heard that United have found Van Der Sar’s replacement recently. Not only have United been linked with Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon but it has been announced that United will be taking 24-year old Algerian keeper Rais Mbolhi on a trial. Ben Foster is likely to be on his way out, so a new keeper may not be such a surprise.

The News Of The World seem to know a lot about United’s transfer plans, according to them Ajax’s Luis Suarez will be playing alongside Wayne Rooney next season at Old Trafford. United is reportedly setting up a £20 million bid for the 23-year old.
Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to bring in a striker after relying too much on Rooney last season, and he would by a pretty good signing.

Next up on the list is 27-year old AC Milan striker Marco Borriello. Back in the summer of 2009 it was said that Man United won’t sign players over the age of 26. If that’s true then that rules out a £16 million move for Borriello.

Real Madrid defensive midfielder Lassana Diarra was bought for £20 million by Real from Portsmouth. He’s had a disappointing season in Spain after the Spanish outfit have failed to win anything after spending over £200 million. He could make a return back to the Premier League, with United apparently preparing a bid of £20 million for the former Chelsea and Arsenal star.

According to The Times United and Chelsea will go head-to-head for highly rated Everton youngster Jack Rodwell. This isn’t the first time that United have been linked with the midfielder, Everton aren’t likely to let him leave cheaply.

Other names linked with a move to Old Trafford are Aston Villa’s James Milner, Benfica’s Angel di Maria, Marseille winger Ben Arfa

To be able to buy players, you need money. How much money do United have to spend? It changes from day to day. One thing I can say for sure is that not many of these players will be coming to Old Trafford, if any.

More players will be linked with United, these are only some of todays but I wouldn’t expect too much to happen over the summer.

Karim Benzema was one of Man United’s top transfer targets last summer but he left Lyon for Real Madrid after United wouldn’t be held to ransom over his pricetag. It was probably more of a case that United didn’t actually have that amount of money to spend, even after the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo for £80 million.

With the summer transfer window opening soon, Benzema has been linked again with a move to Old Trafford, after a disappointing first season at the Bernabeu.

Benzema joined the Spanish side initially for €35 million rising to €41 million. The French forward has only made 32 appearances, scoring nine goals. Real Madrid are thought to be looking to sell him for €30 million, which could prove to be a problem.

The second stumbling block could be his wages, it’s believed that he would want between £150,000-£200,000-a-week. That’s not going to happen!

Over recent weeks Benzema has been asked if he rejects joining Real, instead of Manchester United. He gave a very blunt reply:

“Do I regret not signing for Manchester United? No. I dreamt about Real, that’s all,” Benzema has been quoted as saying.

“It was a first season to learn. I didn’t know what a season abroad was. Now I know, and next term, from the very first day, I will be at my very best. I don’t want to leave. I don’t think the club wants to see me leave. I want to make a name for myself.”

So it sounds like he doesn’t want to come to United, we don’t want a player who doesn’t want to be here so he might as well stay there then. It’s his loss!

With the Premier League season nearly finished and the summer transfer window only around the corner, many players will be linked with a move too and from Manchester United. Each day there will be different rumours, here are the pick of todays.

Man United defender Nemanja Vidic has been linked with a move away, but today he has tried to put those rumours to bed.

Vidic has been quoted as saying: "I can't do anything about it.”

"I have said many times I am here and I have shown on the pitch my commitment. I enjoy playing. Nothing changes, I am here."

One player who won’t be going anywhere is Jonny Evans after he signed a new five-year deal, he had been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

“I am delighted to have signed a new contract,” Evans said. “I’ve supported Manchester United all my life and it’s a great honour to be able to continue to wear the badge of this great club. I’d like to thank the staff, players and fans for their continued support in my development.”

Ben Foster has admitted that he may have to make the tough decision of leaving Man United, to rescue his career. Birmingham City have been linked with the keeper, it is believed that United are wanting £6 million for him.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: “I have had a chat with Ben. I understand his dilemma but there is nothing I can do.
“He is a terrific goalkeeper and we will see what the future brings for the boy.”

Foster may be on his way out but if the papers are to be believed then United are considering making a move for Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon. It’s thought that the 32-year old keeper is keen on a move to the Premier League.

England International Michael Carrick has been linked with a move back to his former club Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has downplayed the rumours: "Michael's also a top player.”

"I signed him when he was 12. I know all about him as well.

"Will he want to leave Man United? I wouldn't have thought so."

Manchester City’s Stephen Ireland has reportedly met with the club's football administration officer to see if there is any possibility that he can leave the club. Some websites are claiming that Ireland is on United’s transfer list and the club may be willing to pay £12 million.

The Daily Mail are claiming that former Man United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has recommended United’s left back Patrice Evra to Real Madrid. It is also being reported that the Spanish side may be lining up a £20 million bid.

Evra has been amazing for Man United this season, probably one of the most consistent players. I would be incredibly surprised if he was sold during the summer.

He has played in every Premier League game this season. Defensively United have had many injuries this season, at one point we had Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick playing in defence. Evra has played a vital part in helping to keep United still in contention in the title race.

Evra’s contract runs out in 2012, he has now established himself as one of the World’s best left backs and I would like to see him offered a new contract.

Are Real Madrid after the whole squad? Can’t they go off and annoy someone else because I’m getting pretty sick of them being linked with our players.

Evra isn’t the only left back being linked with a move to the Bernabeu, Chelsea’s Ashley Cole is as well. They can have him; I’m getting bored of seeing his face all over the papers anyway.

Back in 2002 Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was all set to retire, but after a change of heart it was agreed that he would stay on for another three years. Eight years later Sir Alex is still in charge of Man United, with rumours surfacing yet again suggesting that he will retire after next season.

I think most Man United fans are dreading the day that Sir Alex retires, it will come because it has to but I believe these are just newspaper rumours. I believe that Sir Alex will announce his retirement completely out of the blue, without any warning at all and that will be it.

I also believe that Man United and Sir Alex Ferguson together will have chosen his successor. Fergie isn’t going to leave United in a mess, he will help chose the next manager, who will be right for the job.

I also don’t believe that right now Sir Alex has any dates in his mind. I can see him wanting to knock Liverpool off their perch and help United win 19 league titles, which could happen this season. Also maybe win the UEFA Champions League once more, that can’t happen this season.

So whom are the papers lining up as his successor?

Hot favourite is Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho. Everyone knows he wants the job, he’s said it. There would be some positive and negative points with having Mourinho as United manager. He will need to have a big personality and Mourinho certainly has that.

Everton boss David Moyes is another name in frame. The Toffees manager is the second favourite to replace Sir Alex, he’s done well at Everton but could he manage a massive club? No offence to Everton.

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill down as third favourite, I would love to see a British manager given the job but with O’Neill I would also worry about the pressure of managing such a big club.

Back in December 2009 a Barcelona based newspaper believed that Pepe Guardiola had been lined up to be the next United manager. They went as far as saying that had already been offered a lucrative contract. Guardiola’s done a fantastic job with Barca and may not be a bad choice.

United’s former number two Carlos Queiroz is also being mentioned. I like Queiroz but I believe that he is at his best when he’s assistant manager. The Portuguese has managed many teams, the biggest probably being Real Madrid and now International side Portugal. I don’t think he’d be the right man for the job.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done an amazing job managing the Man United reserves. I would love to see Solskjaer manage United’s first team but it is a massive step between reserves and the first team.

Past and present United players are being linked with the job. Ryan Giggs is one of those, he is another person who I’d like to see manage United but that isn’t going to happen anytime soon.

Past players being linked with the job other than Solskjaer are Mark Hughes, Eric Cantona, Laurent Blanc, Roy Keane, Steve Bruce and even David Beckham has been mentioned.

When the manager is decided on, surely they will have experience in managing a football club already. They need to be able to manage very well paid superstars, could Giggs really do that with his former teammates? There’s a lot of banter in a dressing room, would they listen and take him seriously?

Nobody could replace Sir Alex Ferguson he has been an amazing manager. He wasn’t well known when he first came to United, so you could argue the case for maybe a less experienced manager but United are a lot bigger club than they were when Fergie joined.

Personally, one of my favourites would be Guardiola.

Since joining Man United in September 2008 Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov hasn’t made the impression that many were hoping.

When he first joined we all knew his style of play, he won’t run around after the ball a lot, he does look like a lazy player but he has a lot of technical ability, fantastic vision and some of his first touches are stunning.

The problem he has is that he just doesn’t fit into Man United’s style of play. United are at their best when they are attacking teams at pace but Berbatov slows that down.

On the other hand there are times when he can be incredibly frustrating to watch but seconds later, he can change the game with one moment of brilliance. He does have some good games but for the price paid for him, he doesn’t have them often enough.

United paid £30.5 million for him, which is a lot of money. Berbatov has been a disappointment for the amount paid for him, that’s what it part of it comes down to. The price tag isn’t his fault; the fee agreed for him was decided between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Berbatov was given many chances ahead of Carlos Tevez last season; even when Tevez was playing better but we haven’t seen the same amount of faith this season from Sir Alex Ferguson.

As a result, Berbatov is now being linked more and more with a move away from Old Trafford. Today it’s being reported that AC Milan are lining up a bid for him. If United do sell him, they won’t get anywhere near the price of £30.5 million paid for him.

The pace in Italy’s Serie A is a lot slower than the English Premier League so it may suit style more. They also claim that it is a lot more technical than the Premier League, which would also suit Berbatov better.

Right now he is lacking confidence and during some of the matches he has become very frustrated. He knows he’s not doing well and not performing how he should do.

 I don’t know how many more chances he’s going to get, I would love for Berbatov to prove me wrong and hit some form. I would love for him to show people that he is a fantastic player.

How many more chances will Sir Alex give him though?

It’s that time of the season where players will be linked with a move to and away from Old Trafford. Recent speculation has suggested that Wayne Rooney could be on his way out of United with the likely destination being Real Madrid.

Today The Sun are claiming that Real Madrid are set to offer Man United a record breaking £90 million for Rooney, they would also pay the striker £250,000-a-week.

Recently Rooney has tried to put an end to the speculation stating that he is happy at Old Trafford:

“There’s always speculation, and when other big teams are talking about you, it’s nice that you’re talked about. But as I’ve said many times before, I’m a United player and I’m very happy here.”

Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has rubbished these reports by saying that Rooney is staying at United.

"It is the silly season isn't it," Sir Alex said.

"It always happens at the end of the season. Wayne Rooney will still be here next year."

The 24-year old has played a massive part of United’s season, scoring 34 goals in all competitions. It’s no surprise that Real Madrid want him but throwing money clubs and buying the top players won’t work.

We’ve all seen how far spending £240 million on superstars last summer has got them, dumped out of the Champions League by Lyon in the first knockout round and sitting three points behind Barcelona in La Liga.

Man United’s 21-year old goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler looks like he will leave United during the summer and return to his home country Germany. The young keeper will be out of contract this summer and is looking to move away from Old Trafford.

Zieler has returned to Germany and is going to have a trial with Hannover. Zieler joined United as a trainee in 2005, he then signed a professional contract in 2008. Sunce then he has gone out on load to Northampton in 2008/2009 season, but he only made two appearances.

On the 30th March 2009 Zieler suffered a broken arm whilst playing for United’s reserves against Newcastle United’s reserves.

Zieler told BILD: "I came to Hannover hoping I can manage to stay at the club."

"They offered me the chance to have a trial and I am thankful for this as it isn't easy for people to watch me playing for the Manchester United reserves.

"I am happy being at Hannover. If everything goes fine I might have the opportunity to stay on."

The youngster has done well for the reserve team but is yet to make an appearance with the first team and it is looking like he won't.

Reports in today’s papers, stemming from the ever reliable ‘The Sun’ suggest that Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to sell striker Dimitar Berbatov. Ever since he made the deadline day move to Old Trafford from White Hart Lane on the 1st September 2008, Berbatov hasn’t made the impression that he would have wanted.

It is thought that Sir Alex has had enough and he is set to sell the 29-year old, even though he will get the £30 million United paid for him.

So Berbatov may possibly be on his way out and the press have wasted no time at all in naming some replacements. David Villa, Karim Benzema and Sergio Aguero have all been linked with a move to United, most of which are very unlikely to happen.

Benzema was one of United’s main transfer targets last season. He moved to Real Madrid along with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Ricardo Kaka, but after a poor season at the Bernabeu he has already been linked with a move away.

Rumours a few days back suggested that Man United had been offered 28-year old David Villa by Valencia, which United turned down due to financial restrictions.

21-year old Aguero is an exciting youngster and a player who Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to be looking at. The Argentine striker will also have a high price tag, which could put United off.

United may not be looking at anyone. Last Thursday it was announced that United will sign 21-year old Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez for an undisclosed fee on the 1st July 2010, subject to a work permit.

We already have Michael Owen, who may be out injured but he has said that he will still be at Man United next season. Danny Welbeck is also out after picking up an injury whilst out on loan with Preston North End but he could play more of a part next season.

Federico Macheda has recently returned from injury, he may not have played many games since joining United but last season he did score some vital goals. 22-year old Mame Biram Diouf joined us in January 2010; he has made six appearances for the first team, scoring one goal, which was when he made his debut at Old Trafford. There is also young Joshua King, who has been doing well for the reserves and did play in the League Cup match against Wolves this season.

This could also be the press making a mountain out of a molehill. Saying that, the further into the season we have got, the more likely it has looked that Berbatov could be leaving.

Earlier on this year it was Man United target Douglas Costa was denied that chance to have a trail at Old Trafford, instead he was sold to Shakhtar Donetsk for £5.8 million.

It had been reported in 2009 that Man United had offered Shakhtar £8 million for the player, but his then current club Gremio wanted £21 million. After not being able to have a proper look at the youngster, Man United decided that they didn’t want to pay the fee Gremio were asking for. Gremio wanted to sell Costa without any trial, which resulted in him being sold to the Ukrainian side.

After it was announced that the attacking midfielder had joined Shakhtar he said:

“I wasn’t expecting it. I found out from my agent [Cesar Bottega] when I was still on the bus heading to Bento Gonçalves [for training]. I expected something to happen, but I was focused on Grêmio. Now, I have to think of Shakhtar. I am very happy. The club has tried to buy me twice so I hope I’ll meet their expectations”.

Costa reportedly said during a press conference: "If I had the choice, I would still like to play for United.”

"I know definitely that United sent a fax to my club Gremio asking to release me to their training ground for a trial. But the board of Gremio refused their request and said I already had the ability to play at the top level. They wanted United to sign me without trials.

"They were not ready while Shakhtar signed the contract with me on the terms of Gremio."

Costa has been dubbed as the new Ronaldinho but after only recently signing a five-year deal with Shakhtar it isn’t likely that he is going to join anytime soon.

Man United has reportedly turned down the chance to sign highly rated Valencia striker David Villa, due to his price tag. The Guardian claim that United were offered the player for a price believed to be in the region of £40 million, but the offer was turned down because of financial restrictions.

Man United are in around £716 million worth of debt but Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Chief Executive David Gill have both repeatedly made it clear that money isn’t an issue.

Winger Cristiano Ronaldo was sold in the summer for a record breaking £80 million fee, Gill was quoted as saying in March that the money from his sale is available.

In March Gill was said: "The money from Ronaldo is sitting there in the bank account, we've been clear on that.

"But Alex has been very clear he isn't going out to chase and overpay for a player just because everyone else thinks we should. He's a Scot, he wants value for money.”

United may have turned down this offer but Gill has hinted that Sir Alex Ferguson and his team will bring in some new players in the summer. His message is to watch this space…

"We are planning for next season," Gill told MUTV.

"We have already bought Chris Smalling from Fulham and we are very excited about him joining us in July.

"Let's see what happens. Watch this space."

Yesterday it was announced that United would sign 21-year old Javier Hernandez in July if he is granted a work permit. If that is granted he would join Chris Smalling who will definitely sign for United in the summer.

Manchester United has revealed that they have agreed a deal with Mexican club Chivas de Guadalajara for 21-year old Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez for an undisclosed fee. The talented young striker will join United on the 1st July 2010, subject to a work permit.

Personal terms have been agreed with the player and he has passed a medical, so if he does get the work permit then he will become a Manchester United player.

For his club Chicharito has made 68 appearances, scoring 28 goals. Hernandez has played four times for his country Mexico, scoring four goals.

United has also confirmed that they will be playing a friendly match at Chivas new 45,000 stadium as part of the deal.

Sir Alex Ferguson said: "I am delighted to reach agreement with Chivas to bring such an exciting young striker, who has been in such prolific form for both his club and his country. He will be a great addition to our squad and we look forward to welcoming our first Mexican player in the summer.

“We are equally excited to play our first game in Mexico, opening the magnificent new Chivas Stadium in July."

This isn’t a done deal, United were unable to get a work permit for Adem Ljajic so the deal was abandoned.

19 year old Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to move to Wigan last year, because he wants to play for Man United.

Man United’s current number one Edwin Van Der Sar won’t have too many seasons left in him at the age of 39 and it is thought that Sir Alex Ferguson has De Gea down on his list of possible replacements.

Sir Alex has sent scouts out to Spain to watch De Gea in recent weeks, and if United want him it looks like the player is willing to move to England to play for United. That is also assuming that the clubs can agree a fee for the player and it is only speculation.

Right now the talented keeper is just concentrating on playing for Atletico.

“All I know is what Atletico have told me - there has been contact between the two clubs [Atletico and United].”

“I believe now is not the time to move. I was about to go to Wigan last summer but I wanted to remain at Atletico and take my opportunity another time.

“The Premier League would be enjoyable for any player and it is an option I would like a bit later on in my life.

“I won’t rule anything out but at the moment, my head is focused on Atletico. For me, Van der Sar has been one of the best in the world in recent years.”

It has been revealed by football agent Barry Silkman that Luis Nani was offered to Middlesbrough for £3.5million months before his £17 million move to Man United in the summer of 2007.

Speaking to Sport.co.uk, Silkman said that the winger was offered to the then Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate for a lot less than was paid for him eight months later.

Silkman said: “Recently, the biggest one I have missed out on, I saw a player in Portugal a few years ago called Nani.”

“I tried to do a deal with Middlesbrough who I was very close to at the time; I did a lot of deals when Steve McClaren was manager.”

“I offered Nani to Middlesbrough and Gareth Southgate didn’t fancy him. He was £3.5million.”

“He went to Manchester United for $27million and it was only eight or nine months later, that’s all it was.”
“Manchester United’s chief executive David Gill actually phoned Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb to ask him if that story was true! And Keith Lamb said yeah it is.”

There is a massive difference in the price, it shocked me a bit when I first read it. Maybe you would expect a 1 or 2 million pound difference but not a £13.5 difference in only eight months. Sporting Lisbon must have been laughing all the way to the bank after that.

Nani hasn’t always been in the best of form since arriving at Old Trafford. He hadn’t hit any form until earlier this year, after recovering from an injury. After returning to the team he had a run of three or four matches where he had been fantastic, but then he was stupidly sent off against Aston Villa when he was in top form. Since returning from the three-match ban we have seen glimpses of what we had seen earlier on this year but he has become a bit frustrating again.

We have seen what he is capable of and I am sure that Sir Alex Ferguson will get the best out of him and hopefully he can continue it.

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has said that Real Madrid are ‘obsessed’ with Wayne Rooney and expects the Spanish club to make a bid for the striker during the summer.

Rooney added to his tally twice today with two goals against Fulham, making it 32 for the season. He is regarded by many as to currently be the world’s best player.

Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, Calderon said: “It seems that it’s an obsession for the president [Florentino Perez] to go for Rooney. I imagine Manchester United wouldn’t like to lose a player like him.

“Sometimes it is a point of money, and if there is a proposal then maybe a deal can be reached. You have to take into account that the most important thing is what the player wants to do.”

He added: “(Cristiano) Ronaldo was a good signing, he is one of the best. He is a professional and is doing a really good job.

“However, I don’t know if it is possible to spend another €80m or €100m. I would imagine that in that case they (Manchester United) would be forced to sell.”

The only way I can see Man United selling Rooney is if we really needed the money and the way things are going with the debt, that is a possibility. But if things are that bad, I don’t believe that Rooney will be the first to go to try and bring some money in.

When will Real Madrid learn that buying all the best players in the world will guarantee trophies? I mean look what happened midweek- they were knocked out in knockout round of the Champions League for the sixth consecutive season. They had spent well over £200m in the summer.

Madrid can be as obsessed with Rooney as much as they want, I can’t see him going anywhere. It is a totally different situation to the Cristiano Ronaldo one. Ronaldo is a Real Madrid fan and he would always have gone there. I honestly can’t see Rooney going anywhere anytime soon, I can see him at Old Trafford for the rest of his career. We all knew that Ronaldo was going to go, but Rooney? I don’t think so.