Ferguson Speaks About Butt And Saha

[Spunky]

Sir Alex Ferguson has expressed his disappointment and frustration over Nicky Butt's transfer request and ruled out a swap move for Louis Saha.
The Manchester United manager, as ever, was keeping his cards close to his chest but admitted a number of clubs have already enquired about Butt's availability.

Whether the sale of an England regular will be off-set by the arrival of a glamorous new signing at Old Trafford is still not guaranteed as Ferguson refused to disclose whether he will improve his bid for Saha or look elsewhere for a new forward.

"I feel disappointment and frustration," complained Ferguson in an interview with Sky Sports News.

"He was the first lad to break into the first team, played a part in the semi-final against Oldham and played a part in the equalising goal, actually.

"The frustrating part is he wants first team football. Phil Neville's form has been so good this season, it's difficult to get him a game.

"He's played 11 times but it's not enough for him.

"I saw him and nothing was said about whether he's leaving or not. I'm keeping Nicky abreast of who's phoning and which clubs are interested obviously, and we'll take it that way, if you like.

"He's been a fantastic player, more than that it's his character. But one of Nicky's concerns is the international thing with the European Championship coming up. He wants to get in that.

"I can understand it but I don't enjoy it."

As for Saha, the move still appears deadlocked as Ferguson tries to play a war of attrition with Fulham, whose interest in Brian McBride could indicate a softening in Chris Coleman's approach towards losing his top scorer.

"I'm amused at some of the things I see in the papers," revealed the Red Devils manager. "You often see swap deals and that does amuse me.

"We put in an offer, they refused it, and that's where it lies.

"Of course, I have sympathy for him (Saha) but it's out of our hands and that's Fulham's department. We can't get involved.

"We'll just wait. We'll wait and see what happens.

"I'm not committing myself to anything!"

[DFL]

fulham have slapped an £18 million price tag on saha... i kno hes a decent player but $$$$ payin that amount of money....

i reckon man utd should go for someone else...

whats everyone else think?

[DFL]

jus been announced that saha will be joinin man utd.... deal expected 2b completed sometime next week...

as for how much the deal is we`ll have to wait and see...

saha - van nistelrooy ..... not bad at all !

[DFL]

Manchester United have confirmed they have reached an agreement in principle with Fulham for the transfer of French striker Louis Saha.
The deal, which is subject to a number of conditions by The Cottagers, is expected to be concluded next week, with the hit-man set to make his debut against Southampton.

Saha is cup-tied, having featured against Cheltenham Town in the third round of the FA Cup, and will not be available to play Northampton Town in round four, but should be available for Sir Alex Ferguson for the visit of The Saints on January 31.

United's goal-scoring problems have been high-lighted in recent weeks, after failing to score in their home clash against Newcastle United and defeat to Wolves on Saturday.

"Manchester United can confirm that they have reached agreement in principle with Fulham Football Club for the transfer of registration of Louis Saha, but this is subject to a number of conditions," United said in a statement.

"Manchester United expects these conditions to be resolved within the next week and will make a further announcement on completion."