Manchester United have scored a major summer transfer coup
by swooping for highly-rated Portugal-based duo Anderson and Nani.
Most of the best clubs in Europe, including Chelsea and Real
Madrid, have been linked with at least one of the pair at some
stage over the past few months. But a flying visit to Portugal by
Red Devils chief executive David Gill and Sir Alex Ferguson's
assistant Carlos Queiroz has proved exceptionally fruitful. Fees
have been agreed with the players' respective clubs - FC Porto and
Sporting Lisbon - and personal terms have also been sorted out. All
that remains are the medicals and, in Anderson's case, a work
permit, before the formal conclusion of the transfers are
announced.
With a deal to sign Owen Hargreaves from Bayern Munich virtually
done and dusted as well, Ferguson has not allowed the grass to grow
under his feet since United were crowned champions earlier this
month. Ferguson suggested he was after at least three new players
to bolster his squad. But no-one expected him to act so quickly,
with the overall fees for all three men likely to exceed the
£40million mark, the first major cash splurge since Malcolm
Glazer's controversial buyout almost two years ago.
"Manchester United is delighted to announce it has agreed terms in
principle with FC Porto and Sporting Lisbon for the purchase of the
registrations of Anderson and Nani," said a club statement.
"Personal terms have been agreed and a formal announcement will
take place once the necessary administrative procedures, including
medicals, have been completed."
Anderson has been one of the most sought-after young talents in the
game since he was crowed player of the tournament in the 2005 World
Under-17 Championships. The Brazilian teenager, who has established
himself as one of the best attacking midfielders in the Portuguese
League, has been named by national coach Dunga in a preliminary
squad for this summer's prestigious Copa America.
United have been tailing Nani for some time but appeared to have
been thwarted in their attempts to sign him when it was suggested
the 20-year-old was ready to extend his stay with Sporting.
However, the proposed contract remained unsigned, allowing Ferguson
to step in and snap up the Portugal international.
Ferguson will cross his fingers and hope his new arrivals enjoy the
same kind of success as the last player he signed from Portugal,
footballer of the year Cristiano Ronaldo. Their arrivals should
certainly help Ronaldo feel at ease, particularly if the winger's
friend Gabriel Heinze is sold this summer as expected.
It is certainly an astute piece of business by Ferguson, who
realises two of his main attacking stars, Ryan Giggs and Paul
Scholes - while outstanding this season - are reaching the end of
their careers. With Hargreaves on board as well and the likelihood
of a big-name striker being signed, United have signalled a
statement of intent for the new campaign. All the new arrivals will
make their bows on the club's pre-season Far East tour.
