Italian international Guiseppe Rossi spent two years at Old
Trafford before being sold to Villarreal in the summer of 2007.
However, the 21-year-old has a buy-back clause in his contract
which Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted was
tempting him.
“We would be interested in bringing him back,” said the United
boss to the Daily Telegraph, “When Villarreal offered the
money they did, we put in a buy-back clause. You always keep your
options open.”
Rossi scored an impressive 23 goals last season and has hit five
goals in seven outings in the Primera Division this season -
and his former boss confessed he had been reluctant to let him
leave Manchester.
“It was difficult to let him go. It was based on the fact that
he wanted first-team football and we couldn't guarantee it. Simple
as that,” explained Sir Alex, “He's doing very well now. He's
an excellent player.”
Yet the chances of United being able to guarantee Rossi first
team football again seem slim as the club currently enjoy a wealth
of attacking options.
Dimitar Berbatov was added to the squad over the summer at a
cost of more than £30 million, and along with Wayne
Rooney and Carlos Tevez provides the Red Devils with huge strength
in depth up front.
Indeed, Berbatov’s arrival has pushed Tevez onto the bench at
Old Trafford and speculation has arisen that he may leave the club
this season.
The champions also possess Fraizer Campbell, who is currently on
loan at Tottenham Hotspur where he has been making headlines with
his goalscoring prowess.
Recent reports have also speculated that Ferguson is considering
recalling the youngster in the January transfer window after being
impressed by his form.