TRANSFER NEWS: Paolo Di Canio's hopes of ending his career at Manchester United appeared to have significantly reduced last night when Alex Ferguson announced he was no longer interested in the West Ham player.
Ferguson revealed he had persuaded United's board to release more funds for another high-profile signing, but flatly denied making a second approach for Di Canio, having failed to prise him away from Upton Park last season.
Despite mounting speculation and the widespread knowledge that Di Canio is eager to move to Old Trafford, the player's representatives also stated there had been no contact with the deposed champions.
Ferguson may yet go back for Di Canio if he is unsuccessful elsewhere and the United manager is also monitoring whether Chelsea's financial position could have implications for the availability of Jimmy Hasselbaink or Eidur Gudjohnsen.
Lazio, meanwhile, have made it clear that Hernan Crespo is available but the Italian club would prefer a player-plus-cash exchange with Juan Sebastian Veron and Ferguson wants to keep the Argentinian.
What is certain is that United will have to act swiftly if they are to bring in a new player before Wednesday's transfer deadline for their two-leg Champions League qualifier against either NK Zagreb of Croatia or Hungary's Zalzegerszegi later this month.
"There's not a lot of time, but beyond that the next deadline for the competition proper is August 31st," said Ferguson. "We would like to have four strikers again because we've always worked on that basis."
Ferguson was speaking ahead of the prestigious four-team Amsterdam tournament, which will see his side pitted against hosts Ajax today and Italian outfit Parma on Sunday evening.
While the prize of becoming the first English team to win the sell-out event is an enticing one, the main reason for United taking part is to sharpen up for the start of a campaign which will begin with a trip to either Hungary or Croatia in two weeks' time.
Hungarian unknowns Zalaegerszek take a 1-0 advantage into their second leg against NK Zargeb next week.
Ferguson feels his side will be better prepared than they were at the same stage last term, even if his quintet of England World Cup men might be slightly behind in their preparation.
"We have taken a bit of a gamble with them," he admitted."They only arrived here today and we will probably only give them half a game against Ajax.
"I need to have a team in my mind for the first leg but at least our pre-season programme is better than the last one."
Twelve months ago, United headed to the Far East, mainly as a marketing exercise because of their huge following in the region.
Although that part of the trip proved worthwhile, it was less beneficial to the players, who were physically drained for the start of the season.
"There is no comparison really," said Ferguson. "The Far East trip was done because we have a huge fan base there. This is a tournament of real significance against very good teams with excellent players."
Ruud van Nistelrooy expressed the hope he would be fit for today's opener after playing a full part in training yesterday despite his recent shin problem.
It is thought however, he may sit the match out as Ferguson refuses to take any chances on his star men.
In any case, Ferguson will want to have another look at Uruguayan frontman Diego Forlan, whose form has improved dramatically following an encouraging World Cup campaign.
The £7 million man failed to find the net for United last term but has scored in two friendly outings so far and Ferguson has also predicted a great future for the South American.
Ajax have promised to field a full strength side as they defend the trophy they won last year.
Ironically, they are the only competing team to have automatically qualified for the Champions League after completing a Dutch double last term.
Coach Ronald Koeman admitted today's game would mean more to his side than their visitors. "We are all preparing for a new season, so it will be a good guide to where we are," he said.
Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has admitted he will have to rest his World Cup players in an attempt to avoid them suffering "mental exhaustion" after their summer spent in Korea and Japan.
Michael Owen is likely to play a bit-part in the opening match of the Madrid tournament this evening against Real Madrid, with Steven Gerrard not expected to feature until Sunday's second match.
