Agent casts doubt on Smith
future
The agent of Manchester United's Alan Smith has urged the
Premier League champions to tell him whether or not he has a future
at the club.
The England striker admitted on Wednesday he will "consider his
options" unless he is given assurances over his his role at Old
Trafford.
And his agent Alex Black wants United to clarify his client's
position as soon as possible.
"I think if you're definitely not wanted, you need to be told
that," Black said on BBC Radio Five Live.
The 26-year-old former Leeds frontman made a good return to
first-team action towards the end of last season after severe
injury problems.
His form also saw him recalled to the England fold, but Smith is
concerned he may be restricted to a bit-part role with the
champions next season.
Black revealed Smith has been concerned about his future ever since
United chose not to exercise a clause in his contract, which would
have seen it extended by another year to 2010.
"Obviously, you're going to have some question marks in your head
as to where that leaves you," said Black, adding that Smith is not
looking for a guarantee of first-team football.
"Nobody would expect that at a club like Manchester United," he
said.
Unless United make the first move, Smith is set to remain in limbo
until the start of pre-season training.
"Alan's gone away on holiday for a few weeks and these are the sort
of conversations that probably need to take place face to face,"
Black said.
"I'm sure him and Sir Alex will have a chat at the start of
pre-season.
"The only conversation so far that's taken place has been between
myself and David Gill, the chief executive, and that was brought up
regarding the re-negotiation clause."
Asked whether he and Smith would actively look for another club,
Black said: "It's not really for us to look at other clubs.
"Our opinion is he hasn't been offered a new contract but he's
still got two years left at arguably the biggest football club in
the world.
"He has the confidence in himself to stay and fight."
