BALE BID FAILS

Last updated : 18 January 2007 By Editor

From the Sun:

Ferguson has failed with an £8million bid for Southampton teenage sensation Gareth Bale.

Manchester United manager Ferguson wants Bale, 17, to replace his unsettled Argentine left-back Gabriel Heinze. He is even willing to buy the Wales international and loan him back to the Championship side until the summer.

Saints chief executive Jim Hone said: “We have turned down an £8m package for Gareth.”

Southampton are holding out for £10m and have offered the youngster an improved £4,000-a-week contract to stay.

Saints boss George Burley insists he is under no pressure to sell. Burley said: “Gareth will certainly be here until the end of the season, hopefully longer.”

Meanwhile Heinze told the Daily Star:

“I know the interest from Milan for me but now the decision remains with Manchester United. I have a contract signed until June 2007 and I do not want to go anywhere.

“I do not want to be sold in January. I want to wait until June to see what happens. I am happy in Manchester with my work and I want to try and get back in the team, but it is the coach who picks the 11.”