Reports from Germany claim that Hertha Berlins Brazilian left-back
and midfielder Gilberto is close to signing for Manchester
United.
The Brazilians contract with Hertha is due to expire at the end of
the season, and he and his agent have so far refused to open up
negotiations to extend it.
Bild am Sonntag claims that is because his agent Alexandre
Martins is in advanced discussions with the Premiership giants over
a move to England.
The newspaper claims that the contract has been agreed and is just
awaiting the players signature. The deal will take him up to the
2010 World Cup, when Gilberto says he will retire.
Hertha Berlin are currently in Tenerife at their winter training
headquarters. From there, Gilberto has been rather quiet on the
rumours, without denying them outright.
I dont want to say too much about it. I have a number of offers,
and perhaps Ill stay in Berlin. Or perhaps Ill go to England or
Portugal or even back to Brazil. I am not worried he said.
Gilberto is a key player for the Selecao and being a free
transfer is wanted by a number of top clubs with Benfica confirmed
as very interested.
The defensive midfielder has however stated his desire to win
things- something which stands in Uniteds favour.
With Brazil Im used to winning titles and I want that with my
club side too Gilberto revealed.
The 31 year old
joined Hertha in 2004 from São Caetano, after earlier spells with
Gremio, Vasco da Gama and Flamengo.
