Agent says Ruud rumours are ‘just ridiculous’

RUUD van Nistelrooy is staying at Manchester United, according to his agent.

The Dutch striker has been linked with a move to La Liga and possibly Real Madrid at the end of the season.

But his representative Rodger Linse said Van Nistelrooy is putting down roots in Manchester.

"Ruud is happy at Manchester United. As a matter of fact he is in the process of buying a house in Manchester. Previously he had rented but now he is buying somewhere. Why would he buy a house if he wants to leave the club?"

Van Nistelrooy, who signed a new United deal until 2008 in January last year, scored his seventh league goal of the season in the 3-2 defeat of Fulham at Craven Cottage.

He is forming a fine partnership with Wayne Rooney, who also scored at the weekend. The pair have scored all of United's 10 Premiership goals.

Linse has become increasingly irritated by speculation surrounding Van Nistelrooy.

"It is just ridiculous. Every year it is the same thing with rumours of Ruud leaving. This story is incorrect."

Meanwhile Thierry Henry appears to have no intention of discussing a new contract with Arsenal until the end of the season.

The French star, who has set Arsenal's game at West Brom in two weeks as a "possibility" for his comeback from a groin injury, is focused on proving his fitness and is in no hurry to agree new terms.

The injury has kept Henry of the last six Gunners matches but he is still not prepared to give any guarantees on his long-term future, with Barcelona reportedly interested in signing him.

"The position is the same as it was at the start of the season. I have to deal with my injury but at the end of the season we will talk about it and look to sort something out.

"My mind is not on that at the moment. But I will speak to the boss, ask him about things and sit down with him and the board and sort it out," he said.

Speaking about his injury, he said: "I hope I will benefit from Arsenal not having a game for two weeks.

"If Arsenal had games over the next fortnight I would be looking at these and trying to come back earlier than I should.

"I haven't got a game in mind for my comeback. It is just wait and see at the moment, trying to get my fitness back. I don't know if West Brom will be too early. I will need to talk to the boss after the next couple of weeks but I hope that game is a possibility."

Fulham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop says he has not been distracted by rumours linking him with a move from Craven Cottage to Arsenal.

Fulham boss Chris Coleman said it would take a "staggering" offer to allow Diop to leave, following reported interest from Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

"I am not thinking about Arsenal and all the talk has not affected me," the Senegal star said.

"My objective is to progress every game and to play for Fulham."

Wenger has yet to find a replacement for departed midfielder Patrick Vieira, who joined Juventus in July, and Diop would be considered the ideal player to fill the holding midfielder role.