Speaking of gunslingers, Alex Ferguson and Manchester United appear to have dirtied their bibs once again. Hot on last week's revelations that United were lying regarding their involvement in a new money-laden European Super League, Ferguson has now been accused of making blatant attempts at pushing Dwight Yorke into making a transfer request from Aston Villa.

Ferguson, speaking on United's Clubcall, said: "I'm sure the boy wants to join us and Aston Villa realise the player wants to leave. I don't understand the problem."

The code of conduct for managers states: "A manager shall not take any steps including making statements to the media, to induce, or which are intended to induce any player or other employee employed by another club, to act in breach of the terms of his contract."

When you are the biggest club in the world with your own TV station and earn £20 million a year in profits, it seems you can do just about anything. Villa want £16 million and United will only pay £10m for Yorke. Ferguson's remarks appear to be pure horse trading. But will any sanctions follow?