If I were a Smoggy (and thank god I'm not!) I would be seething about Man U's attempt to hijack the deal for the striker at the last minute. Seemingly, the player is flying in tomorrow and Man u officials will try to meet him at the airport to set up a deal before he gets to see the Boro officials!

Had Man U always been plotting and deal or did they suddenly become alerted to his availability only when the Smoggies begin their negoiations.

I think it's terrilbe!

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2002

Answers

Looks like Man Utd have got him. Agree that this is a bit of a sickener although I expect Boro will now get Yorke...

-- Anonymous, January 18, 2002

It's a bit like when we signed Acuna, Man U came in with a last minute bid - which his agent liked the sound of - but Acuna had been on trial with us and decided to pay our loyalty back.

-- Anonymous, January 18, 2002

Amazing story tonight on 5Live about Forlan and 'his people' sitting in Garfunkel's in LGW, negotiating by phone with both Boro and ManU.

His people then give the word to the assembled media that they are flying to Newcastle and head off for the departure lounge. However, a little later Forlan and a couple of others head off for the Manchester flight.

The guy was decent enough to admit that ManU offered him more money so he agreed to sign for them!

-- Anonymous, January 18, 2002