Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly flown to
France to check on two possible transfer targets.
Ferguson is believed to have watched Marseille's league game
against Rennes on Tuesday night.
There was speculation that he was following up his summer
interest in Rennes defender Julien Escude, but he could also
have been looking at Marseille's £13m-rated Belgian defender
Daniel van Buyten.
United tried to sign Escude in the summer, but negotiations
collapsed when the player suffered a freak injury.
The French Under-21 star, who can play left-back or left
midfield, damaged knee ligaments while walking his dog.
But United are believed to have kept tabs on the 23-year-old
since his return to action this season.
Ferguson's initial £2m bid was turned down by Rennes, but a
change of manager has raised hopes that they may now be prepared
to do business.
Escude was desperate to move to Old Trafford in the summer and
fell out with his club when they dismissed United's offer as
"almost insulting".
The Rennes youngster would also be a cheaper option than
Marseille's Van Buyten, who scored in his side's 2-0 win at the
Stade Velodrome.
The Belgian international cost OM £13m when he signed from
Standard Liege last year.
However, any move for the 24-year-old is expected to face
competion from Newcastle and Arsenal, with the Gunners also
believed to be represented at Tuesday night's game. |
