Manchester United closer to Riquelme deal (13 Mar 2006 18:04 GMT)
Manchester United are a step closer to landing Villarreal midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme.
Barcelona's pursuit of Villarreal striker Diego Forlan has opened the door to United closing a deal for Riquelme at the end of this season.
Villarreal want £8 million for Forlan, but will drop the price should Barca help with the sale of Riquelme to United. The Spanish champs still hold 25 per cent of Riquelme's transfer rights and will use that as leverage to bring down Villarreal's demands for Forlan.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has made Riquelme a priority target for the summer market and had brother and chief scout Martin Ferguson check on the Argie last week against Rangers in Spain.
source : tribalfootball.com