United unexcited by the offer of Barmby

Football

Manchester United, frustrated in their attempt to sign Darren Anderton, are unlikely to divert their attention to another Tottenham player, Nick Barmby, as a potential replacement for the unsettled Andrei Kanchelskis.

Alex Ferguson said his priority was finding someone who could perform the Russian winger's role should he be allowed to leave Old Trafford. "We are looking for a wide right player," the United manager said, "and good player though he is, Barmby does not come into that category.

"Tottenham did offer him to us at the time we asked about Anderton, but we explained our position and that's as far as it went." Spurs have said they are interested in signing Kanchelskis, but have been deterred by the reported pounds 5m price and would prefer a player swap.

Barmby has been criticised by his manager, Gerry Francis, who is fed up with the England striker's reported discontent. "If he wants to move then it's up to him to put in a transfer request. I'm sick and tired of listening to these rumours," Francis said. Barmby signed a five-year contract three months ago.

Another contract, another clause: it has been revealed that United's Eric Cantona will have an incentive to behave once he returns from suspension on 1 October. The Frenchman, who appeared only 24 times in 1994-95, will be paid a bonus on top of his basic wage for every match he plays next season.

Jurgen Klinsmann yesterday explained he left Tottenham last May because of a personal appeal by Franz Beckenbauer asking the German striker to play for Bayern Munich. It was like "Bobby Charlton giving you a call and asking you to come and play for Manchester United," he said. "For every player it is an honour."

Birmingham City have rejected a bid of pounds 1.5m from Bolton for their Republic of Ireland defender, Liam Daish.