United about to sign, City to lose out

MANCHESTER United are inching closer to making Antonio Valencia their first signing of the summer.

The Wigan winger has cut short his summer break to try to complete his move to Old Trafford.

And the £16million deal is expected to be confirmed this week as Sir Alex Ferguson begins the task of spending the world record £80million fee United have just banked for the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo.

They hope Valencia, who scored just three Premier League goals last term, might be able to replicate the pace and dribbling ability of Ronaldo. However, getting anywhere near his goals output might be far more difficult.

Certainly most United fans – and probably Ferguson himself – would be disappointed if there were not further signings by September 1 given the problems he is juggling with.

As well as Ronaldo, the loss of Carlos Tevez, seemingly bound for rivals Manchester City, leaves another gap.

Karim Benzema has been touted as a potential replacement but has already given vibes he may prefer to go elsewhere, and even then in another year’s time.

At the back of Ferguson’s mind will also be the knowledge Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar are all preparing for what is expected to be their final season of top–flight action, with Gary Neville not far behind.




SAMUEL Eto’o seems certain to rebuff Manchester City’s big–money advances later today.



Just as in their ill–fated pursuit of Kaka last January, City were given every indication by Eto’o’s advisers that the Barcelona star was ready to quit the Nou Camp for a new challenge.

However, just as with the Brazilian, when decision time comes, Eto’o is likely to say no.

The move has a hint of politics at its heart, with the Cameroon star apparently unhappy Barcelona were prepared to cash in on him as he approaches the final year of his contract.

Instead, Barcelona will not pocket the £25million City were offering, with Eto’o free to leave the Champions League winners for nothing in 12 months.

Boss Mark Hughes may have to increase his valuation of £15million to prise Everton defender Joleon Lescott away from Goodison Park.

Reports in Spain also suggest a £3.5million offer for Espanyol right–back Sergio Sanchez – a former team–mate of current City star Pablo Zabaleta.