United close to Park deal

Manchester United expect to confirm the capture of Korean midfielder Park Ji-Sung within the next seven days.

It is understood that the final stages of Park’s move from PSV Eindhoven are now being thrashed out, with an agreement between the respective parties tantalisingly close.

If no last-minute problems surface, the transfer, which is expected to cost the Old Trafford outfit around £5m (€7.51m), could even be concluded by the end of the week.

That timescale would certainly suit Sir Alex Ferguson, whose squad are due to return to United’s Carrington training ground on Monday to begin preparations for the new campaign.

Aside from the goalkeeping vacancy, which has been filled by the arrival of Edwin van der Sar, Ferguson has made the purchase of an explosive midfield man one of his major summer priorities.

Park certainly fits that criteria. The 24-year-old was one of the outstanding performers in the South Korean squad which exceeded all expectations by reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2002.

He has reproduced those performances with PSV Eindhoven since his arrival in Europe and was a key figure in the Dutch side’s run to the Champions League semi-finals last term.

Having suffered two early exits from Europe and successive disappointments in the Premiership, Ferguson knows the pressure is on to deliver major trophies, especially given Malcolm Glazer’s ownership and Park’s energetic style is sure to make him a fans’ favourite at Old Trafford.

And while Red Devils’ officials will insist his capture is purely based on footballing merit, they are also aware of the player’s vast marketing potential.

Although Korea is not on the itinerary of United’s hectic pre-season tour to Asia next month, Park’s presence on the trip to Hong Kong, China and Japan is hardly likely to be of detriment to their marketing plans.