Alex Ferguson yesterday confirmed he is trying to sign at least one new player.

The Man U boss refused to reveal the identity of his target, although it is believed to Dimitar Berbatov, but confirmed a bid had been lodged which he hoped would lead to a successful conclusion.

 

"We have made a bid for one player who would enhance us a great deal", said Ferguson.

 

Tottenham are holding out for more cash but whether United are prepared to go beyond the £20million that has been mentioned is doubtful.

 

In any case, it would be handy for Spurs to get the money in quickly as manager Juande Ramos looks to re jig his own squad, with a big money move for David Bentley in the offing.

The deal could move much closer over the next fortnight, although with Ferguson and chief executive David Gill both on the plane for United's tour of South Africa and Nigeria, it will be left to club solicitor Maurice Watkins, who found himself at the centre of the Carlos Tevez affair last summer, to deal with any on-the-spot issues.

 

"I have replaced Gerard Pique with Jonny Evans, so we are back to the same numbers", said Ferguson.  "If we got one more it would strengthen us even further".

Ferguson took charge of a 21-man party for the four match tour, which opens against the Kaizer Chiefs in Cape Town tomorrow afternoon.

 

Aside from Nani, Edwin van der Sar and Patrice Evra, who were all in action at Euro 2008, Christiano Ronaldo, who is recovering from an ankle operation, and Anderson, who played for Brazil in World qualifying action, the main absentee was Owen Hargreaves.

 

Friday 18th of July 2008