ALAN SMITH has been given a lifeline in his fight to stay
at Old Trafford.
The England ace, 26, has so far failed to land a new contract offer
from Manchester United. But a sought-after place in Uniteds Far
East tour squad is a major boost. Middlesbrough are interested in
Smith - and with United attempting to push through their Carlos
Tevez deal, Smiths time with the champions does look
limited.
But with Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer injured and Giuseppe
Rossi on Italy duty, Smith is being paired with Wayne Rooney as one
of only two front-line strikers in boss Alex Fergusons Far East
squad.
Fergie views the four-match tour as vital to his new season
build-up. And it will also give new arrivals Owen Hargreaves and
Nani their first taste of life at United. Red Devils defender Rio
Ferdinand admitted: All the players want to see them play - we are
keen to see what they can do.