• Premier League

United plan signings as Gill claims 'watch this space'

ESPN Soccernet staff
April 9, 2010
David Villa was personally turned down by Sir Alex Ferguson © Getty Images
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Manchester United chief executive David Gill has hinted at further investment this summer and Soccernet understands there is no truth in reports Sir Alex Ferguson has been forced to scale down his ambitions.

It was reported on Friday morning that United have turned down the chance to sign Valencia striker David Villa for £40 million due to financial restrictions imposed by the Glazer family.

However, Soccernet has been informed that Ferguson personally decided against the deal some time ago as he believes Villa, 28, is overpriced given his age.

The United boss has always made clear that he still has transfer funds available following the £80 million sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid in the summer, and he will look into the possibility of signing a top-quality goalkeeper and a new striker when the market reopens.

Mexico striker Javier Hernandez will join this summer subject to a work permit while Fulham defender Chris Smalling has also secured a big-money move, but more signings are expected.

Gill told MUTV: "We are planning for next season. We have already bought Chris Smalling from Fulham and we are very excited about him joining us in July. Let's see what happens. Watch this space."

Ferguson is eager to sign young players who can offer long-term value to the club. He retains an interest in 22-year-old Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, who snubbed a move to Old Trafford last summer when he left Lyon.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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