United splash £31m on whizkids
By IAN McGARRY
May 31, 2007
MANCHESTER UNITED splashed out an amazing £31million on two superkids yesterday.
The Premiership champions signed Brazilian Anderson, 19, for £17m from Porto and Sporting Lisbon’s Nani, 20, for £14m.
A United statement read: “Terms are agreed with both players and an announcement will take place once a medical and other procedures are done.”
A day of drama started when United No 2 Carlos Queiroz and chief executive David Gill met with Sporting directors yesterday morning and offered £10m for Portuguese winger Nani, 20.
The Old Trafford contingent then left for Porto believing they had all but agreed the transfer.
They went on to complete the move for striker Anderson, 19.
United then learned Sporting met with Spurs sporting director Damien Comolli three hours after they had left.
Spurs believed they had nicked Nani with a bid which equalled his buy-out clause of £14m.
But, crucially, Nani’s agent, Jorge Mendes, did not meet with Comolli.
Mendes is also Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent and, coincidentally, also represents Anderson.
Mendes is believed to have travelled to Porto to complete the Anderson deal. Porto announced the £17m fee to the Stock Exchange. But United would not be beaten on Nani, either.
After learning of Spurs’ bid, they matched the offer and a deal was struck.
Nani had made it clear he would only sign for the Old Trafford club.
Hitman Anderson has been one of the most sought-after young talents since he was crowned player of the tournament in the 2005 World Under-17 Championships.
He was recently named in Brazil’s preliminary squad for this summer’s Copa America — but not tomorrow’s friendly with England at Wembley.
United manager Alex Ferguson also expects to wrap up the signing of Bayern Munich’s England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, 26, this weekend for £17m.
This would take Fergie’s summer spree to £48m — and he still wants to sign another striker.
Sources close to Fergie say he will play a 4-2-3-1 formation next season — using Ronaldo, Anderson and Nani as his three attacking midfielders behind Wayne Rooney.
Source SUN UK