Pompey Warn Reds Off Midfielder
Portsmouth have told Manchester United to forget about signing
Portuguese star Manuel Fernandes. The Old Trafford club have been
linked with a January transfer window move for the £7million-rated
midfield star, who is on loan from Benfica. But Pompey chairman
Peter Storrie insists they have first option on Fernandes, 20, as
part of their agreement with the Portuguese giants. He said: "The
option of signing Manuel is with us. No club can come in and take
him. If he is fully fit and playing regular Premier League
football, he will sign for us. Wed be absolute idiots not to sign
him. Hes one of the best talents to come out of Portugal."
Tony Little, The Sun
Croatia boss Slaven Bilic blames Wayne Rooney's lack of form on the
English Football Association, saying: He is a great talent but it
seems that hes either injured or being punished by the English
FA."
Meanwhile, Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt may miss his side's trip to
Old Trafford a week on Sunday after picking up an ankle injury with
Holland. The Sun speculates that he will be replaced by Robbie
Fowler.