Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!
Why Fergie's Keane On Ballack Deal
Sir Alex Ferguson has dropped his biggest hint yet that he wants Michael Ballack. The Manchester United boss is keen to find a long-term successor to Roy Keane in the heart of his midfield and has been tracking the Bayern Munich star for months. Ballack, 28, issued a come-and-get- me plea to United when he revealed he wanted to move abroad and Ferguson has admitted he would be interested. "We need somebody with experience to complement the nucleus of young players like Smith, Rooney and Ronaldo that we already have," he said. Bayern would be prepared to sell Ballack for around £8million if he continues to refuse the Bundesliga side's offer of a new deal.
David Anderson, Daily Mirror
I Want To Come Home
Michael Owen has run out of patience at Real Madrid and is ready to come home. The England striker's advisers have made inquiries to gauge the level of interest at Manchester United and Liverpool, Mirror Sport can reveal. Owen, 25, has tired of playing second fiddle to Ronaldo in Spain. And with Real set to sign at least one more forward over the summer, his opportunities next season will again be limited. Real would prefer to sell rather than loan, and have set Owen's price at the £18m. That is more than Liverpool could pay, leaving Owen's best hope of a return home seeming to rest with Manchester United, who expressed some interest. But with Sir Alex Ferguson chasing a top-class midfielder, Owen's asking price may be a stumbling block. United might be forced to splash out on the sort of player Ferguson is after. Michael Ballack is available from Bayern Munich, and while he has only a year left on his contract, he could still cost close to £15m. If that is the case, it would rule out a massive bid for Owen. But if Real can be talked into cutting their price and Ferguson is able to secure a central midfielder for a reasonable figure, United would definitely be interested in Owen.
David Maddock, Daily Mirror
I'm still hoping we get both Ballack and Owen. We could then send Saha away on loan or even sell him if we need the cash. And with Smith moving into midfield, we would have Owen, Ruud and Rooney as our striker force with Ballack, Ronaldo, Park, Giggs, Scholes and Keano in midfield.
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I'd be over the moon if we get both of them.
