Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly ready to ruffle Rafa Benitez’s feathers for the second time in quick succession, but this time in the transfer market. Both managers are thought to be locking horns as they attempt to attract the highly-rated 21-year-old Fluminense centre-back Anderson to the Premier League.
Reports in Brazil claim that the Liverpool manager sent scouts to watch the player in his side’s defeat against Cruzeiro before the Campeonato Brasiliero wound down for their annual Christmas break. At the time it looked as though a deal would be a formality for the Anfield club, however, with Ferguson now interested it looks as though the player’s value could be subject to an intense bidding war.
The 6ft 1” tall defender is thought to be versatile and quick enough to function across the backline and already has experience of winning silverware having taken part in his side’s Brazilian Cup victory in 2007.
The Premier League title rivals are both apparently keen to strengthen their backlines with a dedicated centre-back as injuries and ageing limbs take their toll on their respective squads.
While Manchester United have a number of players including Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Gary Neville who could potentially fill in at the heart of their defence, they only have Nemandja Vidic, Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand as specialists. Having seen the progress made by Rafael da Silva and with expectations high for the improvement of his twin brother Fabio it is now thought that Ferguson could further flavour the United squad with samba spice.
With doubts surrounding the future of Daniel Agger and Sami Hyppia's long-term sustainability in doubt, Rafa Benitez is also desperate to add defensive cover. Liverpool already have a number of Brazilians in their squad and the Spaniard is hoping that Anderson will be swayed by an opportunity to settle on Merseyside with his compatriots.
Reports in Brazil claim that the Liverpool manager sent scouts to watch the player in his side’s defeat against Cruzeiro before the Campeonato Brasiliero wound down for their annual Christmas break. At the time it looked as though a deal would be a formality for the Anfield club, however, with Ferguson now interested it looks as though the player’s value could be subject to an intense bidding war.
The 6ft 1” tall defender is thought to be versatile and quick enough to function across the backline and already has experience of winning silverware having taken part in his side’s Brazilian Cup victory in 2007.
The Premier League title rivals are both apparently keen to strengthen their backlines with a dedicated centre-back as injuries and ageing limbs take their toll on their respective squads.
While Manchester United have a number of players including Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Gary Neville who could potentially fill in at the heart of their defence, they only have Nemandja Vidic, Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand as specialists. Having seen the progress made by Rafael da Silva and with expectations high for the improvement of his twin brother Fabio it is now thought that Ferguson could further flavour the United squad with samba spice.
With doubts surrounding the future of Daniel Agger and Sami Hyppia's long-term sustainability in doubt, Rafa Benitez is also desperate to add defensive cover. Liverpool already have a number of Brazilians in their squad and the Spaniard is hoping that Anderson will be swayed by an opportunity to settle on Merseyside with his compatriots.
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