The Sunday Times:
Manchester United are on the verge of making their fifth major signing of the summer, Tunisian Hatem Trabelsi, the Arab Footballer of the Year.
Trabelsi, a strong and dynamic right-back, currently playing in Holland with Ajax, will cost close to £6m. Although United do not expect to complete the transfer before the middle of the week, by which time manager Sir Alex Ferguson and the club’s officials will have returned from Portugal, where United play the last of their pre-season friendlies against Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday, it is believed negotiations with Ajax have been concluded regarding a fee and all that remains is for the player to agree personal terms.
Trabelsi looks to be the next step. The right-back was linked with Arsenal after impressing in games against the London club in last season’s Champions League and has enjoyed two hugely successful seasons at Ajax since moving from Tunisian side Sportif Sfaxien in 2001.
At 26, Trabelsi, who played in all of his country’s games in the 2002 World Cup, fits in with Ferguson’s desire to lower the age of his squad following the departure of Laurent Blanc and David May. He should also give United extra crossing quality in the wake of Beckham’s departure.
Trabelsi looks to be the next step. The right-back was linked with Arsenal after impressing in games against the London club in last season’s Champions League and has enjoyed two hugely successful seasons at Ajax since moving from Tunisian side Sportif Sfaxien in 2001.
At 26, Trabelsi, who played in all of his country’s games in the 2002 World Cup, fits in with Ferguson’s desire to lower the age of his squad following the departure of Laurent Blanc and David May. He should also give United extra crossing quality in the wake of Beckham’s departure.
The Sunday Express also run the Trabelsi story whilst The People state that Barca and United will try to 'thrash out a deal' for Puyol who is quoted: "I want to come to Old Trafford"
The Screws claim that United want Beckham's brother in law, Jermain Defoe.