Sir Alex Ferguson faces fight to keep Patrice Evra as Barcelona and Juventus eye Manchester United defender

Wanted: Europe's big clubs are tracking Evra

Manchester United are braced for a raid from Barcelona and Juventus for left back Patrice Evra.

Barca intend to add both a right and left full-back this summer and have been alerted by claims that Evra is considering his future at Old Trafford.

The 29-year-old is a key man in the Manchester United defence and recently spoke of his pride at being an Old Trafford player, but reports in Spain say he is looking for a new challenge.

Real Madrid and Barca have long tracked Evra, but the former are currently more intent on signing Ashley Cole from Chelsea now that Jose Mourinho is in charge at the Bernabeu.

Barca are keen to strengthen a position where neither Eric Abidal or Maxwell have entirely convinced, but the Spanish champions are also tracking Arsenal's Gael Clichy.

Despite revelations that Barcelona are in talks with banks about a £125million loan, new president Sandro Rosell insists he has £80m to spend this summer and hopes to have more than half that amount left after swooping for Arsenal captain Fabregas.

Reports in Italy say Juventus are also tracking former Monaco player Evra, who has two years left on his current contract.

Real deal: Jose Mourinho is hoping to tempt Chelsea defender Cole to Madrid

The Italians are also bidding to take Martin Caceres on loan from Barcelona for another season, but Evra would be a marked improvement on the Uruguay left back.

Ferguson criticised his occasional captain for being at the centre of France's World Cup meltdown this summer, when players refused to train following Nicolas Anelka being sent home from the squad.

The Daily Star newspaper claims that Ferguson has given Evra a month off to recover from the debacle and a gruelling season in which he played 60 games - more than any other United player.

The Carling Cup winners' other World Cup players have been given three weeks off before reporting back for pre-season training.

Poignant

7 Jul 10, 22:24

BARCA PREPARE EVRA BID - REPORTS

Barcelona will reportedly bid £17m for Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra, who is said to be keen on a move.

According to El Mundo Deportivo, Pep Guardiola has indentified the 29-year-old Frenchman as the man to give balance to right-back Dani Alves.

Evra has previously been the subject of bids from Italian clubs, but is said to be more tempted by a move to the Nou Camp.

Real Madrid have previously been linked with Evra, but new boss Jose Mourinho is more likely to move for Chelsea's Ashley Cole.

Evra will have plenty of time to mull over an offer as Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly given him a month off to recover from a long season followed by France's World Cup debacle.

- Football365.com

Poignant

7 Jul 10, 22:25

BARCA PREPARE EVRA BID - REPORTS

Barcelona will reportedly bid £17m for Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra, who is said to be keen on a move.

According to El Mundo Deportivo, Pep Guardiola has indentified the 29-year-old Frenchman as the man to give balance to right-back Dani Alves.

Evra has previously been the subject of bids from Italian clubs, but is said to be more tempted by a move to the Nou Camp.

Real Madrid have previously been linked with Evra, but new boss Jose Mourinho is more likely to move for Chelsea's Ashley Cole.

Evra will have plenty of time to mull over an offer as Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly given him a month off to recover from a long season followed by France's World Cup debacle.

- Football365.com

Poignant

7 Jul 10, 22:25

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Poignant

8 Jul 10, 17:10

Man Utd dismiss Barcelona interest for Evra

Manchester United are confident of keeping hold of fullback Patrice Evra.

The Daily Mail says United have played down speculation linking left back Patrice Evra with a move to Barcelona or Juventus.

The France captain was at the centre of a player revolt in his country’s World Cup debacle, but the decision to give him an extra week off this summer was taken in May due to Evra’s marathon 60-game season and for no other reason.

In fact, United believe that Manchester will be the best place for him to escape the ongoing row in France so that he can get back to enjoying his football once more after the debacle in South Africa.

the Bear

8 Jul 10, 17:31

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