SOCCER: Manchester United expect to add Paolo Di Canio to their payroll, probably at the start of next week, after instigating talks with West Ham last night about a £3.5 million move that is likely to accelerate Dwight Yorke's departure from Old Trafford, possibly to Fulham.
Di Canio's advisers yesterday confirmed United were hoping to finalise a deal for the Italian and it has become painfully apparent within Upton Park that his recent pledge of wanting to see out his career at West Ham has been overtaken by the opportunity to play at a higher tier.
"Manchester United are involved in negotiations with West Ham and something will probably happen," said Matteo Roggi, the player's Florence-based agent. "Mr Ferguson has always been a Paolo Di Canio lover and people might think there is a vacancy because United have allowed Andy Cole to leave."
United have steadfastly refused to comment on the situation, and a spokesman reiterated yesterday: "We do not comment on transfer speculation."
Alex Ferguson is understandably keen to complete the deal before the Champions League deadline of January 31st, and Glenn Roeder, his West Ham counterpart, reluctantly had to admit yesterday that the considerable lure of Old Trafford might be too much for Di Canio to turn down.
"Our view is very much wait and see," he said. "As far as we are concerned West Ham and Manchester United do not have any agreement over the sale of Paolo Di Canio. It's very unsettling for the player, and for the club, but it must also be very flattering for someone aged 33 and a half.
"It would be very difficult, nigh impossible, to say no to the opportunity (for Paolo) to play for Manchester United. If it were another club it would be easier. People have got to realise that it would be virtually impossible to deny Paolo that opportunity."
The loss of their captain would be a significant setback to West Ham and their supporters, although it is not beyond the realms of possibility that they might be tempted into discussing an exchange deal involving Yorke.
United have also been trailing Independiente's Uruguayan international Diego Forlan and it is clear Yorke no longer has a major part to play at Old Trafford. Fulham are among those definitely interested.
Roeder went on to say that he and Di Canio had had an "excellent" relationship since he took over from Harry Redknapp as manager towards the end of last season - "I've never had a minute's problem with him" - and refuted reports that the forward invented a hamstring strain to avoid playing at Leeds on Tuesday night. "That's rubbish."
However, United have been encouraged by the noises from Di Canio's camp that he is willing to end his association with the club that resurrected his career in the wake of his notorious shove on the referee Paul Alcock, during his days as a Sheffield Wednesday player.
One informed source described it as "highly likely" the transfer would go through, although not before the weekend.
"If something happens, it is likely to happen soon," added Roggi. "But the Champions League deadline is not until the end of the month so it is not as if there is not time. Once the two clubs have finished their talks the situation may change."
Di Canio, who has 18 months left on his contract, was at home yesterday nursing a heavy cold and, after missing training, is rated as an unlikely participant in their FA Cup tie at Macclesfield on Sunday. All of which means he may have played his last game for the club.
Di Canio's relationship with the club turned sour when Roeder was appointed manager against his advice. The Italian had wanted Charlton's Alan Curbishley.
Should United get their man, one player Roeder will not be spending part of the money on is Newcastle United's Robert Lee.
West Ham have again shown interest in Lee this week but Newcastle are demanding £500,000 for a player who will be 36 next month and the London club are unwilling to pay that.
