Race is on to sign Ruud
2006-07-15 13:14
London - Ruud van Nistelrooy's much-publicised fall outs with both his club and country managers have not prevented interest being shown in him by several top European sides.
The Dutch striker has told Manchester United he wants a transfer following the 30-year-old's spat with Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson at the end of last season.
He also lost the favours of Dutch manager Marco van Basten at the World Cup watching from the bench as the highly-touted side crashed out in the last 16 to Portugal.
But despite all that, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and at least one other top side have flagged their interest in signing him and United are confident they can raise at least £15m, which could go towards an offer for Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres.
"Ruud has asked to leave and we have to consider that," said Ferguson.
"Real Madrid have shown interest and Bayern Munich have shown interest and I think another club have shown interest today but David Gill is going to fill me in on that one.
"Obviously I think something may happen."
United officials have made it clear they will not let Van Nistelrooy leave on the cheap and it will take a bid well in excess of the £10m. Real are rumoured to be prepared to pay for the forward, one of only eight players in the club's history to score 150 times.
However, his impending departure is set to finally trigger United into some meaningful transfer activity, with West Brom keeper Tomasz Kuszczak set to arrive at Old Trafford in the near future.
"We are in the process of tying up a deal with Tomasz Kuszczak from West Brom. He has Premiership experience and he will be the number two to Edwin van der Sar next season," Ferguson said.
At least one midfield reinforcement is expected - probably Michael Carrick - although Ferguson is adamant Paul Scholes remains an integral part of the United squad after making a full recovery from his worrying eye complaint.
"Paul Scholes is back - it is as simple as that," said Ferguson.
"It doesn't matter who I am thinking about bringing into my midfield, Paul Scholes will be included, as he would in any side in the world."