Puyol says transfer to United will help Barça

The Barcelona defender Carles Puyol said yesterday that he would reluctantly be prepared to leave if the club needed to raise new funds to improve its financial situation.

The Spanish international's comments were prompted by reports that Manchester United were preparing a €20m (£14m) bid for the player.

Barcelona had announced yesterday that they were due to report losses of around $186m (£115.5m) for last season.

"At the moment they are nothing more than rumours because neither myself, Barcelona nor Manchester United have said anything about a move," the 25-year-old right back said.

"I don't think of myself as a saviour, but I have to be aware that if an offer does arrive that interests the club, then I will do my best to help them.

The Fulham midfielder Sean Davis has submitted a written transfer request. The England Under-21 international is being trailed by Everton, who have offered £3.5m for him; Tottenham; and now Middlesbrough.

The 22-year-old felt he had little alternative if he is to stand a chance of making the full England squad for next summer's Euro 2004 finals.

"I've been at Fulham a long time and now I think it is time I moved on," he said. "It is not a decision I have taken lightly and I hope the fans understand, but I am a very ambitious player and I don't think Fulham have the necessary ambition any more since they sold Steve Finnan [to Liverpool]."