Butt joins United pre-season tour

Nicky Butt is expected to board a flight to America with Manchester United tomorrow despite renewed speculation linking him with a move to Newcastle.

Gary Speed’s impending transfer from St James’ Park to Bolton is thought to have paved the way for Butt to complete his own switch to the north-east following an unhappy 12 months at Old Trafford.

However, as yet, United have received no firm offer from the 29-year-old England midfielder and unless the situation changes dramatically overnight, Butt will be part of the squad that embarks on the Red Devils’ 10-day, three-match tour.

“Nicky will be travelling with us tomorrow,” confirmed United boss Alex Ferguson.

The United manager also confirmed that Gary and Phil Neville will link up with their team-mates on Saturday after being given an extended rest following Euro 2004.

France striker Louis Saha will also make the journey either tomorrow or Saturday depending on the results of a series of fitness tests.

However, new signing Liam Miller and fellow midfielders Darren Fletcher and Quinton Fortune will not travel due to injury.