Alex Ferguson is set to accept a £30million Real Madrid bid for Ruud van Nistelrooy - so he can land Wayne Rooney.
SunSport exclusively revealed on Saturday that Manchester United were preparing a £22m raid for wonderkid Rooney.
But Everton have already told them that will not be enough. United's board will not go to £30m unless boss Fergie sells.
Hitman Van Nistelrooy is the man who can bring in mega-money - and is ready to go.
There has been frantic activity between Real, Van Nistelrooy's agent and United during Euro 2004. Fergie knows an offer is imminent and a big decision has to be made.
Dutchman Van Nistelrooy does not want to get involved in any talks until Holland are out of Euro 2004.
They are now in the semi-finals after winning a penalty shootout thriller against Sweden.
Ideally, Old Trafford boss Ferguson would not want to let Van Nistelrooy go.
But he is desperate to get Rooney - a player he likens to former United idol Eric Cantona for his ability on the ball.
Van Nistelrooy is 28 on July 1. And if United get £30m for him it will be seen as good business when they then get 18-year-old Rooney in his place.