Ricardo waits for news on United move

Ricardo was today hanging on the phone at home in Valladolid, dreaming of running out at Old Trafford next month as a Manchester United player.

While his agent is in Manchester negotiating a transfer with United, the goalkeeper was waiting for the opening weekend of Spanish league games.

But he was hoping not to be involved in Real Valladolid’s match against Racing Santander this weekend, and told PA International how he was keen to move to Old Trafford before the transfer window closes on Saturday.

“It would be an honour to play for Manchester United, the biggest club in the world,” said the Spaniard.

“It would be an important step in my career.”

The 30-year-old is erring on the side of caution while talks progress in Manchester, but he was struggling to contain his excitement at the prospect of joining the 1999 Champions League winners.

“My agent (Pedro Bravo) is in Manchester and talking to the club. I am waiting for news of how the negotiations proceed.

“I am looking forward to him telling me that negotiations have concluded well.”

The former Atletico Madrid keeper has had to remain focused on Valladolid concerns and was in training this morning.

“I am training at the moment of my team and I am also thinking of the start of the Spanish Primera Liga,” he added.

Valladolid earlier said that no bid had been tabled by United, but indicated that a deal was possible.

The club’s spokesman Arturo Posada said: “Valladolid traditionally sell an important player every year, this year we have not sold anyone yet.”

And despite the rush, Ricardo was also remaining optimistic that his agent would broker a deal.

“I think it can be done, we are in 2002, even though there are just two days left,” he added.

The Madrid-born player had a superb 2001-02 season with Valladolid and won a call-up to Spain’s World Cup squad.

An injury to Santiago Canizares saw him become Jose Antonio Camacho’s second-choice stopper, though he saw no action.

Ironically, as news of his possible move to the Premiership broke, he was today not named in new coach Inaqui Saez’s Spain squad for their Euro 2004 qualifier against Greece on Saturday week.

With just two goalkeepers named in a 19-man squad, he was left out but far from despondent.

Should his move get the go-ahead, and Bravo was expecting to have news one way or the other by late afternoon, Ricardo is confident he could adapt to English football despite the language barrier.

“I am aware of the changes but I love this sport and I think that on the pitch there is only one language and that is football,” he said.

United today denied claims they were negotiating to sign Estonian keeper Mart Poom from Derby, though they are seeking experienced back-up for Fabian Barthez, who has been plagued by a hip injury.