CHEEKY B*ST*RD OR WHAT?

From the Guardian:

Manchester United have voiced growing suspicions to the Premier League that Chelsea illegally poached Peter Kenyon and that their former chief executive may have started working behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge, despite officially being on gardening leave.

United have become increasingly alarmed about the manner in which they believe Kenyon was tempted to leave. Under Premier League rules, no club can "directly or indirectly approach any contracted player or other employee with a view to offering employment without consent of that other club".

Kenyon had hoped to take up his post in February but United's stance has hardened considerably over the last few days. Their mood was not helped when Real Madrid's director of football Jorge Valdano claimed that Kenyon had contacted him about transfer targets such as Michel Salgado, a free agent next summer.

United may try to make Kenyon serve his full 12 months' notice unless Chelsea offer a sizable compensation package. To complicate matters, Kenyon is not believed to have agreed his pay-off. Talks are ongoing regarding the 1.2million share options and 280,000 shares he has accumulated in the club.

[Though kinda ironic United are squealing about someone being poached dontcha think?]