Fryers set for Belgium move?

After his contract at Old Trafford expired during the summer, the future of young defender Zeki Fryers has been something of a mystery. It is now being reported that the 19-year-old could be set to leave England altogether, with Belgium outfit Standard Liege supposedly set for talks with the player.

It was only several weeks ago that Fryers looked set for a move to Premier League rivals Tottenham, after turning down the offer of a new deal at Old Trafford. However, it is thought that Spurs were not willing to push through a deal due to the compensation issues, with United attempting to claim around £6m from a tribunal should Fryers move to an English club.

Sir Alex Ferguson appears to have been in the dark for some months about the future of the player as well and told the press at the start of last month, “We haven’t heard anything from Zeki Fryers, I don’t know what’s happening there but he’s not been in touch with the club. His agent hasn’t been in touch with the club and I can only assume he’ll be back for training.”

However, while financial issues could restrict a move for Fryers to a club in England, the rules would be much more relaxed for a switch to a foreign outfit. This appears to have paved the way for Standard Liege to make a move and it remains to be seen if the two parties can come to an agreement.

It at least looks as though Fryers career at Old Trafford is well and truly over, with Ferguson highly unlikely to return to try and keep the youngster at United. The Red Devils’ manager has made no secret of the fact that he won’t be held to ransom by young players demanding bumper contracts and with Fryers seemingly chasing a large financial package, it looks as though his time in Manchester was up a long time ago.