Soccer: United won't get cheap van deal

Manchester United have been warned that they will have to stump up £18.5m again if they want to sign Ruud van Nistelrooy.

It was expected the figure would be slashed as a result of the Dutch striker's cruciate ligament injury, which halted his move to Old Trafford at this time last year.

But PSV Eindhoven president Harry van Raay has other ideas and says United will have to pay the original asking price.

Van Raay still believes United got a bargain when signing Jaap Stam for £10.6m in 1998 and is determined not to make a similar mistake.

He said: "First of all, I want to make it clear that I will not speak to any club about Ruud until the league title has been resolved.

"I did not have any contact from Alex Ferguson yesterday and I have not heard from him today. Neither do I want to while we are still concentrating on winning the championship.

"After that it is possible, but only if United, or anyone else for that matter, are prepared to pay £18.5m. That is the price we want and we will not take a penny less.

"We are not trying to cash in on Ruud. Ideally, we would love to keep him but, of course, I can understand the appeal of United.

"I am determined not to repeat my mistake over Jaap Stam, though, and I am adamant that United must meet our valuation.

"Telling them in advance that they could have Jaap for just over £10m was the biggest mistake of my life and I still regret it.

"There was no room for negotiation after that but it is different with van Nistelrooy. We had talks with United about a price for him and arrived at a figure of £18.5million. It was valid then and still is now.

"Ruud knows that and is happy with the situation. We have made a deal with him that he can go for that amount and he has readily given his consent.

"There will be no question of him asking to go for less. He has given his word on that."