CUE MORE TRANSFER GOSSIP

Last updated : 25 January 2006 By Editor

John O’Shea has also been ruled out for at least a month with broken ribs but the papers disagree about whether there are more funds. The Guardian says yes, the Mirror says no.

Guardian:

"The Glazers have assured Ferguson, via the chief executive, David Gill, that an unspecified amount of money is available for a new midfielder. Gill had stated that there would be no more business at Old Trafford before the transfer window closes on January 31 but funds will now be available if a deal can be hurried through.

"Ferguson's usual modus operandi is not to be pressed into panic buys but rarely before has he been so short in midfield. United will also investigate what midfielders are available on loan, with Thomas Gravesen's position at Real Madrid inviting inevitable speculation."

Mirror:

"Alex Ferguson has been told there is no cash available to solve his midfield crisis after Manchester United's season was rocked by the double loss of Paul Scholes and John O'Shea.

"And if Fergie cannot persuade United's American owners the Glazers to let him dip into next summer's transfer budget to solve his immediate dilemma, a loan signing might be his only remaining option

"Real Madrid's Thomas Gravesen would be Fergie's first-choice target and United are likely to enquire about borrowing the former Everton midfielder until the end of the season."