TWO + TWO = FIVE

Last updated : 16 July 2003 By Editor

The Sun claims Arsenal have turned a £20 million bid from United for Vieira while Teamtalk of all people claim that United are trying to lure the Arsenal captain to Old Trafford.

Peter Kenyon's promise of an "interesting news" week at Old Trafford has sparked belief that Patrick Vieira will join Manchester United.

While the imminent £19m capture of Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho and United's interest in his compatriot Kleberson is well documented, Sir Alex Ferguson has as yet made no mention of Vieira, who is becomingly increasingly frustrated at Highbury.

The Gunners skipper has seen veteran goalkeeper David Seaman, a pivotal figure in Arsenal's FA Cup success last season, and defender Oleg Luzhny exit the north London club, who have also missed out on summer targets Rustu Recber and Harry Kewell.

And although Vieira has been offered a £70,000-a-week two-year extension to his contract, he is believed to want more money and also a clear sign of Arsenal's ambitions.

United boss Ferguson was surprisingly open about his transfer plans in a press conference to unveil new goalkeeper Tim Howard.

And in also admitting an interest in Leeds target Kleberson and saying Juan Veron's future will only be discussed if suitors Chelsea submit a bid, the wily Scot may be throwing up a smokescreen to throw the press off Vieira's scent.