From The News of the World
Highly-rated Auxerre blocker Philippe Mexes last night lifted the lid on Fergie's seduction technique and told of the methods used in an attempt to lure him to Old Trafford.
It is an astonishing insight into how the Manchester United boss conducts his business and Mexes admitted Ferguson has:
1) Written to him regularly to tempt him to come to England.
2) Sent him a United shirt with the No6 and ‘Mexes' printed on the back.
3) Posted Christmas cards to him and his parents every year
4) Used Eric Cantona as an ally in trying to persuade him to Old Trafford.
5) And personally took his family on a guided tour of the club in a desperate attempt to impress.
Auxerre have slapped a staggering £45million price-tag on his head and last night
Mexes: "Alex Ferguson has been trying to get me to sign for some time now. During the 1998 Easter holidays, he invited me to visit the set-up at Manchester United with my parents and my sister. We stayed for three or four days and it was all very impressive. Ferguson has also given me a shirt with the number six on it.
"It had ‘Mexes' written across the back and I've still got it at home now. He always sends me Christmas cards as well. I've had them each year for a few years now and he also sends one to my parents!
"Two years ago I even got a letter from Eric Cantona trying to persuade me to go to Old Trafford. I couldn't believe it. I never expected to receive a letter from someone like him or letters from Ferguson. It's amazing. My parents have kept the one from Eric."
Then, just last year, Blanc was seen on TV heaping praise on Mexes which could yet have an effect on the defender's decision to go to Old Trafford. He said: "I couldn't believe that a player like Blanc knew so much about me. It was a great honour for me and I remember running upstairs to put my Blanc shirt on!"
Auxerre Manger, Guy Roux revealed: "Philippe possesses more defensive qualities than Laurent Blanc, but he's not so much at ease going forward. He is a very clean and tidy defender and needs to learn. But he'll be a great player."