Two United players near exit: Manchester United have rejected bids for long-serving utility man Phil Neville and out-of-favour midfielder Kleberson.
It has been confirmed by Old Trafford officials that Spanish side Celta Vigo have followed up their initial interest in Kleberson with a firm bid, while Turkish outfit Besiktas have already declared their desire to sign the 26-year-old, a £6 million capture from Atletico Paraenese two years ago.
Although Kleberson would appear destined for pastures new, United are determined to recoup as much of that outlay as possible and neither offer reached their valuation.
Neville's career plans are also open to doubt. He has always stated he would never willingly choose to leave Old Trafford unless he feared his first-team chances were reducing. But the arrival of Park Ji-sung and manager Alex Ferguson's decision to experiment with Alan Smith in central midfield could be the catalyst for a move, with the United boss admitting he has received approaches for 28-year-old.
"There have been a few inquiries for Phil over the last two or three weeks but so far we have not accepted any of them," confirmed Ferguson.
Inter in double Real swoop
Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti says his club are in talks with Real Madrid over signing Argentine defender Walter Samuel and Portuguese forward Luis Figo. Samuel joined Real last season from AS Roma while Figo (32) has been with Real since his move from Barcelona five years ago.
"There are two separate negotiations. If we knew how they would finish there wouldn't be negotiations," Moratti said.
Rijkaard in for long haul
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has committed himself to the Spanish champions for another four years.
"We have reached an agreement with the club until 2009 which I will sign after the Asian tour," Rijkaard said at the club's pre-season training camp in Denmark.
The 42-year-old joined Barcelona in 2003 and last season he led the club to their first Primera Liga title in six years.
Gorman lined up by Harps
Former Linfield, Portadown and Coleraine midfielder Anthony Gorman has emerged as the favourite to take over as manager of Finn Harps following the departure of Felix Healy on Monday night.
It's understood that the Letterkenny-based midfielder has been offered the job, but he is likely to take a few days before deciding whether or not to take up the position.
Although remaining tight-lipped on the speculation, Gorman said: "I would have to be interested in the position."
Healy parted company with the Donegal club following an emergency board meeting. In a statement, the board of directors stated that the club and Healy had parted "by mutual consent".
Finn Harps have won only three times in 18 matches and have been rooted in the relegation zone all season. Although they are still in the FAI Cup, they bowed out of the League Cup at the hands of First Division Sligo Rovers.
Healy's number two, Eddie Seydak, who also manages the under-21 side, looks set to stay and could be an option if Gorman does not take up the offer.
Villa step up Baros bid
Aston Villa manager David O'Leary is set to step up his bid to sign Liverpool striker Milan Baros in the next 48 hours following the departure of Darius Vassell.
Villa will receive around £2.5 million for the services of Vassell who is set to sign a four-year deal with Manchester City believed to be worth around £30,000 a week. The midlands club are understood to be prepared to pay £5 million to £6 million for the Czech Republic international while Liverpool would prefer £7 million.
In Brief . . .
Former Liverpool and Celtic defender Stephane Henchoz has signed for Wigan . . . Senegal defender Abdoulaye Faye has joined Bolton from Lens on a season-long loan . . . West Brom have signed striker Diomansy Kamara from Modena in a £1.5million deal . . . West Brom midfielder Jason Koumas is close to signing for Cardiff . . . Everton defender Tony Hibbert has signed a new four-year contract . . . Sheffield Wednesday have signed Manchester United winger Chris Eagles on loan.
