Man Utd fear Diarra, Mascherano auction - March 17, 2006
Manchester United fear they're being dragged into an auction for two of their top summer transfer targets.
The Times says United are concerned over a battle with Chelsea and Real Madrid in their pursuit of Mahamadou Diarra and Javier Mascherano, their two leading candidates to fill the void left by Roy Keane.
The asking price for both Diarra, of Lyon, and Corinthians midfielder Mascherano is likely to rise beyond £20 million given the growing interest from Chelsea and Real.
Chelsea reached an informal agreement with Corinthians over Mascherano almost 12 months ago and are said to regard him as the perfect long-term successor to Claude Makelele in midfield.
Frederic Guerra, Diarra's agent, meanwhile, has revealed that he has spoken to Emilio Butragueno, Real's technical director, about the Mali midfield player.
The Times says United are concerned over a battle with Chelsea and Real Madrid in their pursuit of Mahamadou Diarra and Javier Mascherano, their two leading candidates to fill the void left by Roy Keane.
The asking price for both Diarra, of Lyon, and Corinthians midfielder Mascherano is likely to rise beyond £20 million given the growing interest from Chelsea and Real.
Chelsea reached an informal agreement with Corinthians over Mascherano almost 12 months ago and are said to regard him as the perfect long-term successor to Claude Makelele in midfield.
Frederic Guerra, Diarra's agent, meanwhile, has revealed that he has spoken to Emilio Butragueno, Real's technical director, about the Mali midfield player.
