Manchester United's pursuit of a striker has prompted them
to lodge an inquiry with Bolton Wanderers about the availability of
the France striker Nicolas Anelka. Sir Alex Ferguson to turn his
attention to supplementing his striking ranks. His initial targets
had included Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o and Dimitar Berbatov of
Tottenham Hotspur, though they have effectively been priced out of
his budget following this week's spending.
Another highly-rated striker, the Ajax forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar,
who scored 23 goals in 34 league appearances in Holland last term,
has indicated he would prefer to remain in the Eredivisie for a
further season, leaving Ferguson searching for alternatives.
Anelka, 28, has emerged as a surprise target.
The France international moved to the Reebok from Fenerbahce last
summer for a club record £8m. He played a significant part in
securing Wanderers' Uefa Cup qualification, scoring 11 league
goals, but he is keen to compete again in the Champions League and
has been unsettled by Sam Allardyce's departure. Indeed, Allardyce
had admitted that he would listen to offers for Anelka this summer
had he stayed at the Reebok. Sammy Lee, Allardyce's successor, is
keen to retain the striker, however.
