QUE SAHA, SAHA

Last updated : 24 December 2003 By Editor
Fulham have confirmed United have bid £5.5m for their French striker Louis Saha. Manager Chris Coleman said:

“We’re halfway through the season and he’ll leave the club over my dead body. But I’m not surprised clubs are interested in him. He’s a terrific player and is fulfilling his potential.

“We’re trying to build a team when the transfer window opens in January — not break it up. I can understand some of Louis’ comments because United are a big club. Part of him will be thinking, ‘Wouldn’t it be great’. But he’s told us he’s happy here.

“He’s not the type to throw his toys out of the pram. He’s prepared to stay and fight.”


Fulham chief executive Jim Hone said:

“There have been unsolicited and unwelcome enquiries about Saha from a host of clubs. But Louis is part of our future and not for sale.”


On Monday Saha was quoted:

"I understand the position of the manager - but this is an opportunity I cannot let go by. I cannot say no. United is my dream and I want to go there. It's now Sir Alex Ferguson needs a striker. In six months, the facts of the matter will have changed perhaps.”


Meanwhile Fergie said last night:

"We are looking [for a new striker] and it's not beyond the realms of possibility.”

And on Real Madrid chasing RVN:

"You can't get upset about it. They are renowned for it. It's happened with all their signings - not just with Beckham but with Ronaldo, Figo, Zidane. More importantly, I can assure you I'm trying my best to make sure it won't happen again.

“We have to put it to one side and concentrate on our relationship with Ruud, which is very good. Ruud is very happy here, I've had a chat with him and we're on the point of signing his new contract. He's still got 2 years left of his present deal anyway, and he's a Manchester United player."


David Gill told MUTV:

"Sir Alex has said it himself that we don't tend to do a great deal of business in the January window for the very reason that he wants to get his squad together for a new season, work with the new players, gel with the new players and then build that up over a period.

"In addition to that you have the question of European qualification. If a player has already played in the Uefa Cup or the Champions League then they aren't eligible for the Champions League for the rest of the season so we haven't tended to do a great deal in that window.

"It is important to note for everyone that we take medium term decisions on investments, it is not a knee jerk reaction.

"Obviously if there is a major injury or something happens that you have to act quickly then we will.”