Miguel Veloso reiterates “Manchester United dream”

But Sporting president says no deal this season

Sporting midfielder Miguel Veloso has once again admitted his interest in a move to Manchester United, but club president Soares Franco is adamant that the player is staying put at Alvalade.

The 20-year-old has been constantly linked with a switch to the Premiership champions over the last few months, with the English press claiming United boss Alex Ferguson wants the midfielder to link up with fellow former Sporting stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.

In an interview with Uefa.com, Veloso said the switch would appeal to him: “Of course. Manchester United is a great team; it is a dream for any player to play in great clubs. If there is a good offer for Sporting, it is up to them to decide. And for me too, of course.”

However, any suggestion that Veloso could leave during the January transfer window was quickly dispelled by Franco, who says no offers have been received for the player.

“There really does not exist a chance of the player’s exit,” Franco said. “This is down to the deal he signed last season - it is impossible.

“We are not interested in negotiating this subject because Miguel Veloso is one of our main players for this campaign. Formally we have not received any offers for the kid, although we know the interest of some clubs.”

As well as United, both Arsenal and Italian champions Inter Milan have been credited with an interest in Veloso, who is thought likely to leave Portugal at the end of the current campaign.


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