After two weeks of rumours, counter-rumours and clandestine negotiations, Diego Forlan finally opted for Manchester United ahead of Middlesbrough last night, concluding a frantic and often chaotic period of transfer talks by agreeing a £6.9 million move from Independiente. However, any elation within Old Trafford was immediately tempered by an unequivocal admission from Juan Sebastian Veron that he is "ready to return" to Lazio.
A tortuous saga ended with Forlan flying into Gatwick yesterday morning, where the Uruguayan was scheduled to take a noon flight to Newcastle, only to be met by a delegation of officials from Old Trafford.
Forlan (22), and his representatives were informed that a fee had been agreed earlier in the morning and, to the irritation of Middlesbrough, they were persuaded to cancel their proposed talks in the north-east and board a connection to Manchester, arriving just after 4 p.m. The striker has been offered a four-year deal, which will be completed after a medical examination today.
Forlan's arrival will not prevent Alex Ferguson from trying to sign Paolo di Canio, having already failed with a £2 million bid. "We're still waiting to hear from West Ham," he said last night.
Yet the manager's priority will be to meet Veron after an interview in yesterday's Corriere Dello Sport in which the £28.1 million summer signing gave the biggest indication yet that he wants to end his brief United career by returning to Rome next summer. Lazio have already made tentative approaches about re-signing the Argentina international.
"I respect the executives in Manchester but I can't deny that, if an agreement with Lazio is found, I would be happy," says Veron. "I know Sergio Cragnotti (Lazio's president) had a long telephone call with Gustavo Mascardi, my agent, who has spoken to me to see if there's a chance of taking me back. I heard from him first at Christmas.
"I would be happy to return to Rome because I have a special rapport with the Lazio fans and my old team-mates. I hope Cragnotti finds an agreement with Manchester United. I am ready to return."
Ferguson can hope only that the Argentinian was misrepresented. However, the quotes can hardly be described as ambiguous. "I repeat, if it's possible, I'm ready to return for another fascinating adventure," adds Veron. "I still have a house in Rome and I have nostalgia for Lazio. It would be deceitful to say otherwise. I often speak to Hernan Crespo and he confirmed Cragnotti wanted to rebuild Lazio to a higher level."
The circumstances surrounding Forlan's move have caused much resentment on Teesside. Keith Lamb, Middlesbrough's chief executive, has spent much of the week negotiating Forlan's transfer in Buenos Aires but the club have paid a heavy price for delaying the transfer by insisting on paying the fee, to Independiente and the various agents, in instalments.
Tellingly Daniel Bolotnikoff, one of the player's advisers, revealed: "Manchester United have agreed a one-off payment."
Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren, clearly despondent despite wanting to avoid any criticism of his former employers, said he would now "operate plan B", namely to make a concerted attempt to lure Dwight Yorke away from Old Trafford.
Forlan could make his debut at home to Liverpool on Tuesday. He has not been registered in time to face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup next Saturday. Speaking at Manchester airport, he said: "Manchester United are a big club and the thing is, they offered more than Middlesbrough."
