Escude dogged by injury

Manchester United target Julien Escude is out for three weeks after injuring himself while walking his dog.

The Rennes defender sprained his left knee ligaments when he tripped over a kerb on Sunday afternoon.

Escude has been targeted by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who so far has been frustrated in his bid to sign the former France Under-21 star.

Rennes have asked for around £5.1million for the 23-year-old while the Premiership side were not willing to offer more than half that sum.

Escude excluded himself from training in a bid to force the issue and coach Philippe Bergeroo dropped him from the league game against Guingamp at the weekend.

The French star, who joined Rennes from second division Cannes in 1999, has already stated that he will continue to fight for his dream move to Old Trafford despite the setbacks.

“I have been repeating since the season started that I wanted to leave, I will keep fighting to be heard,” he said.

“I have spent three great seasons with Rennes but I have other objectives and ambitions now.

“Manchester knocked on my door and that makes me dream, makes me feel like going, this club is so prestigious.”