United to negotiate Nistelrooy's Real move

United to negotiate Nistelrooy's Real move

Associated Press, Madrid

Manchester United is prepared to negotiate the transfer of its star striker Ruud van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid, a Spanish newspaper reported Thursday.

The leading sports daily Marca said United had withdrawn its "not-for-sale sign" at the March meeting of Europe's most powerful clubs, the G-14, and would sell van Nistelrooy to Madrid in the summer if the bid was big enough.

The paper said the Dutch striker is keen to join the Spanish powerhouse, adding his recently signed contract included a clause which would allow him to leave if Madrid wanted to sign him.

Marca said United had offered the striker to FC Barcelona, but the Catalan club lost interest after it learned that van Nistelrooy was close to joining Madrid.

The report contradicts recent statements by van Nistelrooy, who has been a roaring success since joining United from PSV Eindhoven. He has scored 106 times in less than three seasons.

The Holland striker said in United's match program that he wanted to stay, saying he was "not going anywhere", while the Premier League club has also said the 27-year-old is not for sale.

"Ruud is not for sale," a United spokesman said. "We have said this consistently, so I don't know what more we can do.

Marca said van Nistelrooy was now unhappy at United, citing as evidence an altercation he had with teammate David Bellion during training last week and his absence from the league game against Liverpool a few days later.

If confirmed, this will be the second successive season Madrid has targeted a Manchester United star. Marca said United's asking price would be much more the 35 million fee (US$41 million) it agreed with Madrid for Beckham last season.

Madrid president Florentino Perez said last week he had made no attempt to sign van Nistelrooy, although his choice of words United will negotiate Van Nistelrooy's transfer to Madrid hinted this wasn't out of the question in the future.