Alex Ferguson's efforts to re-establish Manchester United as equals of Real Madrid will focus on luring Pavel Nedved from Juventus.
The Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson is also a target for the Old Trafford manager in what promises to be a summer of extensive recruitment. With speculation linking David Beckham with a £30 million move to Real Madrid increasing, next season's United team could have a strikingly different look.
Mino Raiola, Nedved's agent, has received two phone calls in the last month from a senior United official. Raiola told United that his client is settled in Turin but, citing the examples of Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Baggio, is also aware that the club have made it clear any player is available if the money is right.
Nedved's representatives believe a deal can be struck if United offer close to the £26 million Juventus paid Lazio for the Czech midfielder two summers ago.
However, United's board would be reluctant to pay over £20 million for a player who will be 31 in August. One option that would appeal to Juventus is for Ryan Giggs to be offered as bait. Ferguson is also confident of signing Damien Duff from Blackburn and Nedved's ability to play either on the left wing or just behind the attack would cover the loss of Giggs, whose reputation in Italy does not seem to have been harmed by his erratic form this season.
Ferguson's reservations about Fabien Barthez's form were compounded by the Frenchman's poor display against Real Madrid on Wednesday, although United had already made their interest in Robinson known to the player's advisers. They believe he should be available for about £8 million. Ferguson should also be encouraged by the disclosure that Robinson grew up as a United fan.
Robinson looks like being the first arrival, a move that is almost certain to precipitate Barthez's departure, and it is not impossible Harry Kewell will follow him from Leeds if Ferguson cannot get Duff.
Ferguson also wants another centre-half to cover Laurent Blanc's retirement and he has spoken with Nottingham Forest's manager Paul Hart about the England Under-21 defender Michael Dawson.
Guardian Service
