Evra eyes France chance

Patrice Evra will be hoping for another chance to shine on the international stage when France kick off their Euro 2008 campaign against Romania on Monday.

Although the left-back has been in superb form for United over the last two seasons, he is still second in the pecking order for his national team behind Barcelona's Eric Abidal.

Evra has managed just 11 caps since making his debut in 2004, but he may be given the nod at the Letzigrund Stadion in Zurich as fellow defenders William Gallas and Lilian Thuram have been struggling with injury over the last few days.

Evra may have won the Champions League and Premier League with United last season, but he knows that doesn't guarantee him a place in Raymond Domenech's side.

"I'm not going to expect a place in the starting XI just because I'm a European champion," he said. "I've come here with more confidence and I'm going to show that.

"But I don't feel like an international. An international is someone who has had a great tournament."

Domenech's team are in the so-called 'group of death' in this year's European Championships, alongside world champions Italy, Holland and Romania.

But injury has hampered their preparations all week, with captain Patrick Vieira ruled out of the Romania clash and forwards Thierry Henry and Franck Ribery still doubtful.
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Saha the bait for Red targets

Louis Saha could be a key figure for Sir Alex Ferguson as he sets about improving United's squad. Sadly for the French striker, it might not be on the field.
Instead, the 29-year-old Parisian is becoming the Reds' no.1 lure in possible deals presently being discussed at Old Trafford.
Saha started just nine matches all campaign as a series of knee, hamstring and calf problems cut him down.
A parting of the ways now seems inevitable, but the Reds' boss will be hoping possible future employers may bank on Saha having a better injury record away from Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, the Frenchman has been linked as a potential carrot in three possible striker deals [Dimitar Berbatov, Karim Benzema, Roque Santa Cruz].
Manchester Evening News Read more...

Let me to go to Real

Cristiano Ronaldo has rocked United by insisting: I want to join Real Madrid. The Portuguese winger dropped his bombshell on the eve of the European championships. He will be offered incredible wages of £75million after tax over five years and the Spaniards are also prepared to pay a £75m transfer fee. Ronaldo, 23, told respected Brazilian website Terra: “I would like to play for Real Madrid but only if it is true they are ready to pay what Manchester United ask of them. However, it does not depend on me.” The loss of Ronaldo would be a huge blow to United and defender Rio Ferdinand immediately pleaded with him to stay at Old Trafford. He said: “This team can get better but we need it to stay together.” Rio, in Nigeria promoting Education in Football, added: “We have worked hard to get to the position we are in and want to build on the success we have had. That means keeping all the players at the club."
Shaun Custis, The Sun Read more...

Utd to Roq Rovers with Santa bid

United are planning to hit Blackburn with a £15million bid for towering striker Roque Santa Cruz. Boss Alex Ferguson has earmarked the Paraguay international as United’s main summer signing. Fergie sees Santa Cruz, 26, as the big man who Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney can feed off. The United boss has given up on Louis Saha playing that role after a succession of injuries. The club is looking to sell. Fergie has also had to give up on an audacious bid to land Barcelona top scorer Thierry Henry, who was persuaded he still has a major role to play at the Nou Camp. Rovers will be desperate to keep their main striker. But with manager Mark Hughes on the way to Manchester City they will struggle to hold their prize asset.
Neil Custis, The Sun Read more...

Ramsey fee agreed

United have agreed a fee with Cardiff City to bring talented teenager Aaron Ramsey to Old Trafford.

The 17-year-old left-sided midfielder has yet to agree personal terms and must also pass a medical before any deal can be completed.

A club spokesperson told ManUtd.com: "Manchester United is delighted to announce it has agreed terms with Cardiff City for the transfer of Aaron Ramsey subject to contract terms being agreed and the player passing a medical."

But the Reds aren't the only club in for the teenager. Cardiff have confirmed that
"three top Premier League teams" have made bids, with two given permission to speak to the Wales starlet.

Ramsey, who has attracted plenty of interest from the best clubs in England, is considered one of his country's brightest prospects in recent years and follows in an impressive line of left-sided Welsh players, including Gareth Bale and his idol Ryan Giggs.

He earned rave reviews following his performance in Cardiff's 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final win over Middlesbrough and played in their final defeat to Portsmouth at Wembley.
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