Premiership: United face race for van Nistelrooy signature

Manchester United could face competition from Europe's top clubs for the signature of Ruud van Nistelrooy.

United were set to sign the PSV striker for £18.5m last year and have resurrected their interest now that the Dutchman has recovered from the knee injury that scuppered the original deal.

But van Nistelrooy's agent Rodger Linse has said the 23-year-old is prepared to listen to offers from any of Europe's elite teams.

The news is sure to alert the likes of Juventus, Lazio, Inter Milan and Barcelona.

"Once PSV gives me the green light to talk to a club then I will come into the picture - which club that is doesn't matter," said Linse.

"And if any club in the world wants to talk about the possibility of the transfer of Ruud van Nistelrooy they should first talk to the club."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is reported to be flying over to Holland to watch van Nistelrooy in action against Ajax on Sunday.

But the striker, who scored twice against Twente Enschede last week in just his third game back, is focusing on helping his club win the league title.

"We have read the papers about Sir Alex Ferguson coming over to watch the game and Ruud has heard the rumours but he wants to concentrate on continuing his comeback," added Linse.

"Everything right now is guessing and gambling. Ruud first wants to win the championship with PSV.

"Scoring two goals was great for his confidence and it's great that in only his third game back since his injury he can really add something to his team.

"It's only good news at the moment but Ruud has put in a lot of hard work to come back and there's still more hard work to be done.

"The goal on returning was to come back better than ever before. And this is still our goal.

"He is focusing on winning the championship with PSV in Holland. Last year he was part of the team but missed the last games and was injured when they won the title.

"So he wants to feel the joy of being part of the winning team. "