Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson saw his transfer kitty boosted on Tuesday and immediately set his sights on the potential clear-out of players at scandal-hit Italian giants Juventus.
Under a complex refinancing scheme, the Old Trafford club said that an agreement has been made that will see their annual interest payments slashed by almost 30%.
The plan will see charges on loans fall from £90-million per year to £62-million.
United’s overall debt has still increased to £660-million under the plan, but the club has been able to cut the amount borrowed at huge cost from hedge funds.
”This move represents good housekeeping,” said a club spokesperson.
”It ensures that Sir Alex Ferguson will be provided with sufficient funds to compete in the transfer market.”
Any money available could be used to finance a move for any one of a host of stars expected to seek an escape route from Juventus, who were relegated to Serie B for their part in the Italian match-fixing scandal.
”We held things back until we knew what the Juve situation was,” Ferguson told the BBC.
”Now we know where we’re going in terms of making inquiries and maybe definite offers for one or two players.”
Meanwhile, Ferguson is convinced Cristiano Ronaldo will overcome the hostile reception he is set to receive when the new season begins.
The Portuguese winger angered England fans when demanding club mate Wayne Rooney be sent off during the World Cup quarterfinals.
”There will be no problem with Cristiano. He reacted positively and it didn’t affect him when he was booed at the World Cup — he played very well and has a fantastic attitude,” Ferguson told The Sun.
One man who won’t feature at Old Trafford this season is Dutch international striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was due to finalise his $18-million transfer to Real Madrid later on Tuesday. — AFP
