INTERNAZIONALE KEEN ON RUUD

It was one of the worst-kept secrets in football, but Inter Milan finally spilt the beans publicly on what many have known for some time yesterday by revealing that Ruud van Nistelrooy is unhappy at Manchester United.

The Italians have monitored the Holland forward's situation at Old Trafford for more than a year, but while their preference is to prise Thierry Henry away from Arsenal, they believe that Van Nistelrooy is a more attainable target.

“I think he (Henry) is happy in London and Arsenal are preparing a contract extension for him,” Moratti said. “For anyone who loves football it is a delight to watch him play and it is nice to think, as a fan, that he could play for your team. I wouldn't say that we are in pole position, but we are in a position. Which team with the potential to make a signing of that kind wouldn't do so?

“Van Nistelrooy is also a very good forward. The difference between Henry and Van Nistelrooy is that Van Nistelrooy is not happy in Manchester.”