CASH BOOST FOR UNITED

Alex Ferguson has landed a £10million windfall to boost his summer war-chest.

That takes Manchester United's transfer fund to around £50m, as their manager closes in on his all-star hit-list.

He had already been promised around £40m. That would come from the imminent sale of Ruud van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid, Chelsea's £12m for John Obi Mikel and the Glazers.

The Old Trafford chief has lined up a £25m raid for Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres, while Juventus' Patrick Vieira and Michael Carrick are also among his targets.

Ferguson is also still awaiting the outcome of the Juve appeal against their relegation, following the Italian match-fixing scandal.

Once that is known he could swoop, as there is a possibility several Juve stars could be made available on loan deals or even free transfers if they move abroad.

Yesterday's announcement means United's annual interest charge will fall to £62m from the previous £90m, though overall borrowing will rise from £580m to £660m.

It follows previous cash bonanzas, such as a four-year sponsorship deal with insurance outfit American International Group, while Old Trafford's capacity has been lifted to 76,000.

An improved Premier League broadcasting deal is also likely to increase United's income from the 2007-08 season.

A Glazer spokesman revealed the amended structure will provide Ferguson with ‘sufficient funds in the transfer market'.

Ferguson admitted: “I am happy with the funding. The Glazers have been very good.”