More Larsson rumours

Last updated : 29 December 2003 By Martyn Elliott

The latest reports claim that he will join United during the transfer window with Nobby Solano signing for the Bhoys in return, that is presuming that the Peruvian hasn’t joined Spurs, Aston Villa, Barcelona or any of the other sides rumoured to be chasing his signature.

Larsson would be just what we need to boost our frontline right now, and a partnership with Alan Shearer could potentially be the most potent in English football, while the likes of Michael Chopra and Lewis Guy could learn a lot from the Swede.

Two major obstacles stand in the way of this move happening now though.

Firstly, Larsson is obviously waiting to move on a Bosman free transfer, enabling him to cash-in Sol Campbell style in the summer. Would a move to an English club that is currently looking like it may struggle to qualify for Europe next season be sufficiently tempting for him to turn down the host of potentially more lucrative offers that would be open to him in the close season?

Secondly, with our hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League still in the balance, can Freddy Shepherd be persuaded to agree to a multi-million pound contract for a player approaching the end of his career, who would have virtually no resale value?

Elsewhere, Sir Bobby has been linked with signing Ajax’s Tunisian defender Hatem Trabelsi, although, if there is any truth in that report, his participation in the African Nations Cup could prove to be a major stumbling block.