• Premier League

Buttner on verge of 'dream' United switch

ESPN staff
August 19, 2012
Alexander Buttner is set to join Manchester United © Getty Images
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Manchester United's pursuit of Leighton Baines appears to be over after Vitesse Arnhem left-back Alexander Buttner confirmed he is on the verge of a shock move to Old Trafford.

Sir Alex Ferguson who revealed after bringing in striker Robin van Persie that United could make another signing before the end of the transfer window, had been expected to swoop for Everton's Baines, but it has now emerged that United have agreed a deal to sign Van Persie's compatriot Buttner in a deal reported to be worth £3.9 million.

According to reports in the Netherlands, Buttner flew to Manchester on Sunday and is expected to undergo a medical on Monday.

Southampton, Fulham and QPR have all failed in their bids to sign the 23-year-old, who has been locked in disputes with Vitesse over his attempts to leave the Gelredrome, but Buttner is now set to complete a "dream move" to Old Trafford.

"This is really a dream come true," Buttner told Dutch TV station Omroep Gelderland. "It was all arranged very quickly and of course I am very delighted. Happily everything is coming to an end."

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