The People:
Manchester United have pulled out of the race to sign Lyon's Mohammad Diarra.
Sir Alex Ferguson flew out to check on the midfielder but left unimpressed and won't pursue a deal.
Sky:
Speculation has intensified over an imminent move for Diarra with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson thought to be planning to travel to France to watch the midfielder in action this weekend against Le Mans.
Diarra's agent Frederic Guerra has rejected claims he is set to meet with United officials to discuss a move and ruled out Real Madrid making any attempts to sign the player.
"The Spanish press is wrong, I won't go to Manchester on Monday," said Guerra.
"Maybe they want to put pressure on Real Madrid, but I think they are not interested.
"I haven't an appointment with Sir Alex Ferguson, I don't know if he is going to Lyon this weekend.
"You know great clubs, members of G14 respect the Fifa rules. (Ed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
"Manchester United, Internazionale and Real Madrid are loyal, they won't call me before May 15th.
"I think Real Madrid are not interested, they have director problems, so they don't have anybody at the club to talk about transfers for the moment.
"If Manchester United want to call me, it is easy to have my phone number.
"They are a loyal club, so they won't start negotiating before the official date.
"Clubs like this act officially, they follow the rules."
Lyon's director of sport Bernard Lacombe:
"It is sure Lyon are interested in Van Nistelrooy. For the moment we have not officially negotiated with Manchester. It will be a complicated financial deal unless we can exchange one of our players they are interested in, like Diarra."