Post by Chris on May 29, 2006 11:31:42 GMT
Manchester United are ready to enter the race for French starlet Franck Ribery.
The Marseille winger has made little secret of the fact he wants to leave in recent days, following the departure of coach Jean Fernandez.
Ribery, who secured a spot in France's World Cup squad, is now one of the most highly sought after youngsters in Europe and French champions Lyon appear in pole-position to land the 22-year-old with their chairman Jean-Michel Aulas is keen to strike a deal.
However, French sources claim United are ready to make a firm offer and rival Lyon for Ribery's signature.
Leading French daily L'Equipe even claims that Sir Alex Ferguson has been on contract with Ribery's agent Bruno Heiderscheid.
United were first linked with Ribery in January, but at that point Tottenham seemed the most likely destination in England - but Spurs' interest appears to have cooled, while Ferguson seems to be keener than ever.
Heiderscheid has already admitted Ribery is determined to leave Marseille and he claims the Southern French giants are making life difficult.
"For two weeks I have been trying to contact Pape Diouf, either directly or through other people," said Heiderscheid.
"He doesn't reply. We can't talk together about the Franck's future.
"It seems like he wants a clash."
Ribery himself admitted that he was leaving things in the hands of Heiderscheid.
"The transfer issue? It is up to my agent," he said.
"I don't want to think about it and I haven't answered my phone for a few days."
The youngster says Fernandez' exit from The Stade Velodrome is a major problem for him.
"Jean Fernandez's departure has hurt me," Ribery told Reuters.
"He is someone that has counted on me a lot, and for sure his departure can have consequences for me.
"We will see who l'OM will chose to replace him."
Talking about Lyon, Ribery admitted they would be an attractive proposition.
"Lyon has a great team for the league as well as for the Champions League," he added.
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Don't know much about him if im honest, think we have a chance if he is worth it?
The Marseille winger has made little secret of the fact he wants to leave in recent days, following the departure of coach Jean Fernandez.
Ribery, who secured a spot in France's World Cup squad, is now one of the most highly sought after youngsters in Europe and French champions Lyon appear in pole-position to land the 22-year-old with their chairman Jean-Michel Aulas is keen to strike a deal.
However, French sources claim United are ready to make a firm offer and rival Lyon for Ribery's signature.
Leading French daily L'Equipe even claims that Sir Alex Ferguson has been on contract with Ribery's agent Bruno Heiderscheid.
United were first linked with Ribery in January, but at that point Tottenham seemed the most likely destination in England - but Spurs' interest appears to have cooled, while Ferguson seems to be keener than ever.
Heiderscheid has already admitted Ribery is determined to leave Marseille and he claims the Southern French giants are making life difficult.
"For two weeks I have been trying to contact Pape Diouf, either directly or through other people," said Heiderscheid.
"He doesn't reply. We can't talk together about the Franck's future.
"It seems like he wants a clash."
Ribery himself admitted that he was leaving things in the hands of Heiderscheid.
"The transfer issue? It is up to my agent," he said.
"I don't want to think about it and I haven't answered my phone for a few days."
The youngster says Fernandez' exit from The Stade Velodrome is a major problem for him.
"Jean Fernandez's departure has hurt me," Ribery told Reuters.
"He is someone that has counted on me a lot, and for sure his departure can have consequences for me.
"We will see who l'OM will chose to replace him."
Talking about Lyon, Ribery admitted they would be an attractive proposition.
"Lyon has a great team for the league as well as for the Champions League," he added.
---------------
Don't know much about him if im honest, think we have a chance if he is worth it?
