EXCLUSIVE
By Alan Nixon And John Cross
SIR ALEX Ferguson is in talks with Argentina World Cup star Javier Mascherano.
Fergie believes he has finally found the man to replace Roy Keane and Mascherano's agents arrived last night to discuss a move to Manchester United.
The defensive midfielder (above) is valued at £25million by Corinthians, but United are expected to make the Brazilian club an opening offer of £16m.
Mascherano, who was in outstanding form for his country in Germany, looked to be on the way to Real Madrid for £25m until the Spaniards pulled out following elections for a new club president - opening the door for United.
The investment company behind Corinthians bought Mascherano from River Plate for £10m two years ago and the key to the move is how much profit they want from his sale.
United are prepared to dig deep for Mascherano, described by Diego Maradona as "a monster of a player and destined for great things".
And at the age of 22 he will have a resale value if he moves on from Old Trafford, which is the kind of deal that appeals to the Glazer family who own United.
Chelsea had looked at him but instead went for Michael Ballack and John Obi Mikel, leaving United in pole position - a rarity in the current transfer market.
Sir Alex will also sign Michael Carrick in a £16m deal after Tottenham admitted defeat in their battle to keep the England midfielder.
Carrick has turned down a new contract offer worth £45,000 a week which would have trebled his wages at White Hart Lane.
That was the signal for Ferguson to make a third bid for him and negotiations are likely to be finalised before Carrick returns to pre-season training after his extended break following the World Cup.
Ferguson's two previous offers, which included John O'Shea and Mikael Silvestre as part of a player-plus-cash package, were turned down.
Losing Carrick has forced Spurs to put on hold plans to off-load Edgar Davids to his former club Ajax.
United have told Real Madrid to increase their £12m offer if they are serious about signing Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Real's second bid - £3m under United's valuation - is expected to be formally rejected today.作者: 红魔咆哮 时间: 2006-7-27 15:50
