Premiership: Money decided Forlan transfer

Diego Forlan said that the reason he decided to join Manchester United instead of Middlesbrough was because the champions offered more money.

The Uruguayan striker landed in Manchester yesterday to have a medical before he completes his move from Argentinean side Independiente.

The four-and-a-half-year deal, estimated to be just under £7m (€11.3m), is expected to be clinched on Monday.

Forlan was expected to sign for Middlesbrough earlier in the week but officials for the Red Devils thrashed out a deal over the last two days to tempt him away from the north east to the north west.

Independiente are believed to have agreed to a deal for the 22-year-old striker but grew cold on the deal when Middlesbrough wanted to pay in instalments.

This left the way open for United who could pay a one-off sum the cash-strapped Independiente preferred.

Milddlesbrough manager, Steve McClaren has taken the disappointment of losing the Forlan to his former boss well.

On the club’s website, he applauded Chief Executive, Keith Lamb for attempting to sign the player.

"When a player becomes available of the quality of Forlan, I’ve always said we should be in for them and it’s credit to the club and to the chairman that we went for him".