UNITED 'OFFERED' STRIKER

Italian side Verona are believed to have offered their striker Adrian Mutu to
a host of English sides. The Serie B side were relegated last season and they
know that they need to cut back on their wage bill. 23-year-old Mutu is the
club's prized asset and 12 goals in Italy's top-flight highlighted the Romanian's
calibre.

A move to Juventus had been mooted earlier in the summer, but the
two clubs failed to agree terms and the transfer failed to
materialise. Now Verona are believed to have made it known to a number of
Premiership clubs that Mutu is available.

Manchester United, Leeds, Newcastle and Chelsea are all thought to have
taken notice and sent scouts to check on Mutu in this week's pre-season
friendly with Bolton - who themselves are believed to be interested in the
former Inter man. Mutu came off just before half time without making much of
an impact, but his quality is undoubted and he could appeal to the
English outfits.

However, a permanent move is highly unlikely as his price tag is over £10
million, but a loan move could be a viable option.