Sir Alex Ferguson has made no secret of the fact that he is not going to pay over the odds for players this summer, with the failed attempts to sign Eden Hazard and Lucas Moura being prime examples of the club’s stringent approach. United fans have now been given a glimpse of just what other transfer activity could occur at Old Trafford this summer, with the club’s chief operating officer claiming that they are targeting a net expenditure of £40m.
So far, United have recruited Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell, with the combined cost of the duo thought to amount to around £20m. However, with the likes of Park Ji-Sung, Ritchie de Laet and Matty James departing the club, Ferguson has extra funds available. Moreover, with Dimitar Berbatov expected to exit Old Trafford for a supposed £5m, Ferguson could be provided even more resources for new players.
According to Michael Bolingbroke, the club’s chief operating officer, United are aiming to conclude their business with a net expenditure of £40m. Speaking at an investor road show he said, “We are giving guidance at the moment that the current transfer period could result in net expenditure nearer £40 million.”
Following on from the above transfer statistics, Ferguson could actually have between £25-£30m more available if Berbatov happens to be sold. Nevertheless, a net expenditure of £40m would certainly suggest ambition by the board, who have generally spent a net fee between £20-25m each summer over the last decade.
It now remains to be seen just who Ferguson will recruit with these additional transfer funds. It is a widely known fact that he is keen admirers of both Robin Van Persie and Lucas Moura, yet with the latter seemingly being valued at a ludicrous figure by his current club, sources claim that Fergie has already turned his attention away from the Brazilian.