FERGIE EXPECTS HEINZE FOR PRE-SEASON

Sir Alex Ferguson has left want-away defender Gabriel Heinze in no doubt that he is expected back at Manchester United for pre-season training in a fortnight.

Heinze is currently on a short break following the completion of Argentina's Copa America campaign, but his Old Trafford future is in serious doubt as rumours of a move to bitter rivals Liverpool refuse to subside.

United rejected a near-£7million bid for the 29-year-old World Cup star on Monday, with Ferguson stating clearly Heinze would not be allowed to join the Anfield outfit under any circumstances.

The stance has been backed by chief executive David Gill, who claimed that under the Glazers' ownership United have no financial need to be forced into a deal as they might if the club had remained on the Stock Exchange.

However, the row took a further twist on Friday when it was suggested Heinze may sue United as his agent apparently has a letter from his present club confirming the former Paris St Germain player would be allowed to leave if a club reached the Old Trafford's valuation, as Liverpool have apparently done.

The threat has cut little ice with Ferguson, who has been hugely critical of Heinze's agent, who he believes has been trying to get him out of the club for the past 18 months.

Real Madrid and Inter Milan have also expressed an interest in Heinze. But, while he has yet to have a one-to-one discussion with the player, who proved in his first days at Old Trafford he was his own man by joining up with Argentina's successful Olympic squad in 2004, Ferguson expects him back at United's Carrington training complex very soon.

"I do not need to discuss anything with him," said Ferguson.

"I expect him back in training in about two weeks' time.

"He is currently on holiday after the Copa America, which is natural because he needs a rest, just the same as every other player.

"Meanwhile, we are trying to steer our way through the minefield because his it is his agents' mark behind what is happening at the moment.

"They have been pretty difficult people to deal with."

Taken from =football365=