Ferguson denies Real deal done

Sir Alex Ferguson last night insisted Manchester United had turned down a bid from Real Madrid for Ruud van Nistelrooy - and had one rejected themselves for Michael Carrick.

Rumours out of Spain last night suggested Van Nistelrooy was due in the capital for a medical today before completing a big-money move to the Bernabeu. The Real website even published a profile of the 30-year-old, only to swiftly take it off.

However, Ferguson denied the speculation, confirming Real have yet to meet a valuation that United find acceptable. "There is no agreement with Real," said Ferguson. "We have refused their offer. He remains a United player."

It seems a matter of time before a deal goes through, but Real will have to get closer to United's £15m valuation than the £10m it is believed they have bid.

On Carrick, Ferguson said: "We have made a bid for Carrick but they [Tottenham] turned it down."

Ferguson also hinted at a possible bid for Patrick Vieira should he receive confirmation that he wishes to leave Juventus.

* Ashley Cole, the Arsenal defender, will move to Chelsea for up to £20m within the next 10 days, according to reports last night.