Veron may still go to Chelsea despite Ferguson denials

FOR all of Alex Ferguson’s dogged insistence that Juan Sebastian Veron is staying at Manchester United there is more than a sneaking suspicion his words are mere bluster.

In fact, it will be a surprise of considerable proportions of Veron does not wear the blue shirt of Chelsea at some time this season.

Chelsea yesterday unveiled their signings so far this summer, and not a bad bunch they are either: Damien Duff, Wayne Bridge, Glen Johnson, Geremi and keeper Marco Ambrosio.

But what are Roman Abramovich's real intentions with Veron?

The clue lies in that infamous meeting between the Russian billionaire and Sven-Goran Eriksson. In all likelihood, the England coach probably agreed to meet Abramovich as a favour to Pini Zahavi, the agent with whom he has had many dealings in the past, rather than to be touted as Chelsea's next manager.

Zahavi no doubt wanted to ingratiate himself with the man with the biggest wallet in football, and what better way than to show his connections with Eriksson.

The Swede is a huge fan of Veron from his Lazio days and it seems clear he recommended the Argentina midfielder to Abramovich as being the player who should be the top of his shopping list.

There are other players who have a far better record in the Premiership than Veron, Patrick Vieira for one, but availability counts for everything.

Arsenal would not sell Vieira to Chelsea or Manchester United they would almost certainly take less money and see him move to Real Madrid.

However, Veron has had a bad time at United, for all of Ferguson's outpourings of admiration. He must feel tempted to move, especially if he could play under a continental- style manager such as Claudio Ranieri instead of the authoritarian regime of Ferguson.

Chelsea have already shown that, despite Abramovich's riches, they will not let Veron write his own pay cheque, and quite right too. Frankly, demands of £90,000 a week for a player who has so far failed to live up to his reputation are ludicrous.

But Veron does know they will at least match the salary United pay and in the current climate that is not a bad deal at all, especially once the signing-on fee is considered.

In terms of his position in the squad, Veron would have little opposition at Chelsea. If Veron does not sign, and if Chelsea do not buy another world-class central midfielder instead, then the £35m spent by Abramovich this summer may be to no avail. One would still choose between current champions United and runners-up Arsenal as likely title winners.

Despite United's desire to keep Veron the player's agent is adamant a move could still go through.

Fernando Hidalgo claims the player can still move to Stamford Bridge.

"Veron's departure to Chelsea is still open," Hidalgo said in Rome.

"Manchester United have not told us yet whether they intend to accept Chelsea's offer (believed to be £15m) or keep the player.

"Veron will do what Manchester United decides, if they opt to sell him then we will have to sit down with the club executives and discuss his departure but he has a contract with the club."

However, his team-mates have pleaded with the Argentinian midfielder to stay. Veron rose above frenzied speculation surrounding his Manchester United future to produce a man-of-the-match display in Thursday night's 4-1 win over Juventus.

The 28-year-old took control of the midfield in a manner he has failed to do with any degree of consistency since his £28m move from Lazio two summers ago.

After passing up the golden opportunity of a free-kick on the edge of the box which Ryan Giggs ended up converting, Veron took charge in the second half, creating two United goals, including Ruud van Nistelrooy's magnificent third.

It was the kind of display Red Devils have been expecting for some time.