Veron rejected United exit

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Juan Sebastian Veron turned down the chance to leave Old Trafford this summer.

The Argentine midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, with Claudio Ranieri ready to pay £18m (€25m) for the 26-year-old.

There had been talk of a deal being done before the United party headed out to the USA on their current tour, and speculation over a move has persisted even though Veron is part of the Red Devils’ 20-man squad preparing for tomorrow’s game against Club America.

The latest story is that a deal has been done for Veron to move to Stamford Bridge.

However, Ferguson, who had previously admitted only that there had been a tentative enquiry for the player, today revealed Veron had turned down a move and that he remained an integral part of his squad.

“There is no change as far as Veron is concerned,” said Ferguson.

“He is part of our squad and a very important member of it. You can’t dismiss the class of the boy, the work-rate, the desire to play. They are all great.

“Earlier on, a situation arose where there was a chance for Juan to go to another club, it was maybe a good thing he didn’t go. I have always been happy with him.”