VERONSKI

Last updated : 30 July 2003 By Editor

Juan Veron could be a Chelsea player by the end of the week after United and Chelsea agreed a fee somewhere in the region of £15 million. His agent is also believed to be in advanced stages of negotiations with the rent boys.

This from The Guardian

Veron's agent Fernando Hidalgo met Chelsea officials yesterday and a second meeting is planned for today at which the London club are expected to formalise a verbal offer to match Veron's current wages.

"The meeting with Chelsea on Wednesday is very important," said Hidalgo last night.

"Everything is OK at the moment but we will need to confirm what we discussed on Tuesday.

"If Seba is very happy with what Chelsea offer, then we will close the contract with Manchester United."

All the indications emanating from United's travelling party in New York were that Veron has come round to the idea and will agree to the move, depending on personal terms.

That will not be easy given that Veron, along with Roy Keane, is the highest earner on United's playing staff with a salary of £90,000 a week before bonuses. But such are the riches at Chelsea's disposal since Roman Abramovich took over, however, that the London club are optimistic that money will not scupper the deal.

Pini Zahavi, the Israeli agent who has handled all Abramovich's signings so far, believes that Veron will be a Stamford Bridge player before the end of the week.

The Sun claims United are ready to make another bid for Spanish star Joaquin Sanchez from Real Betis.