FERGIE SEARCH ON-GOING

Last updated : 14 January 2004 By Editor

Real Valladolid boss Fernando Vasquez has turned down a fresh approach from Sir Alex Ferguson to become his Old Trafford assistant.

Vasquez initially rejected Ferguson's offer to succeed Carlos Queiroz during the summer and confirmed the long-serving Red Devils chief has attempted to lure him to England again.

"Manchester United have renewed their interest but I cannot suddenly abandon the project I have started at Valladolid. I am a man of ethics and principles and I only leave a club if the board gets rid of me.

“When Manchester United call you it is difficult to say no because they are one of the best clubs in the world in all senses.

"But the same thing happened last summer, when I had already closed a contract with Valladolid. I know they understood but it surprised a lot of people."

Fergie has said:

"It is something we are addressing on a daily basis and I am looking to do something quite quickly. We had someone in mind before Christmas but he decided to stay where he was.

"Mike Phelan has been fantastic as first-team coach but we need that extra body.”