United make Mavuba contact
By Laurent Picard - Created on 9 Jan 2007
Rio Mavuba's agent has confirmed to skysports.com that his client
has been contacted by Manchester United, but has played down the
possibility of the Bordeaux midfielder moving anywhere in
January.
Mavuba is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in
European football and has been linked with several of the
continent's top clubs.
He has previously stated that he would relish the opportunity to
play for the Premiership leaders, and United are eager to keep tabs
on his progress.
Vincenzo Morabito, the player's representative, feels a move away
from France is unlikely to go ahead this month, but has hinted that
Mavuba could be set for pastures new in the summer.
However, Morabito has warned United that they will face stiff
competition for Mavuba's signature, as Italian giants Juventus have
also made contact with the young Frenchman.
Morabito told skysports.com: "It is true that the player is
followed very closely by clubs in England, but also in Italy.
"The situation will depend on a lot of details.
"Bordeaux are an ambitious club that are attempting to qualify for
a second consecutive UEFA Champions League, so it may be easier for
Rio to leave in the summer.
"But if a club offer a big sum of money during the January transfer
window, we will see if Bordeaux are interested in transferring
him.
"I sincerely think that the summer transfer window will be more
interesting for him.
"Manchester United and Juventus have asked for him.
"That is normal. Rio is a future top-class player and his future
lies with a very ambitious European club."