UNITED TO CONSIDER CRESPO DEAL

Manchester United are being offered a cash-free plan to sign Argentina striker Hernan Crespo for the Champions League. Erie A Lazio still owe United close to £12m following the signing of Jaap Stam from Old Trafford a year ago. Now they are proposing that outstanding debt is swallowed up by the release of Crespo to United before the European deadline on August 31.Lazio are also prepared to spread the rest of Crespo's fee - around £10m - and allow it to be paid in instalments over three years beginning next summer. United are to consider the option this week.