Sven Goran Eriksson admits he is not surprised Manchester United
have been quoted a fee in the region of £20million for Bayern
Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves.
The former England manager was always one of the combative
midfielder's biggest supporters, having stood stood by the player,
even at a time when he was being booed by his own fans.
Hargreaves' performances at the World Cup made a mockery of those
that had doubted his credentials and it was a strong showing in
Germany that prompted an offer from United.
Sir Alex Ferguson failed with a bid then and again, in the January
transfer window, his efforts to tempt Bayern into a sale fell on
deaf ears, which has come as no surprise to Eriksson.
"I always thought he'd become a great player," said Eriksson. "I am
happy for him now that all the biggest clubs in Europe want
him.
"I don't know what he wants to do. What is for sure is that he is
one of the best players in Europe.
"People used to criticise him but I always believed in him.
"I am not surprised the top teams are interested in him."
United's bid to land their primary transfer target took a further
knock this week, with news of Sebastian Deisler's retirement due to
a reoccurring knee problem, in a decision that left Bayern's
midfield ranks further depleted.