BALLESTEROS REVEALS UNITED INTEREST

The former Southampton target has responded to local speculation suggesting that Sir Alex Ferguson is keeping a watching brief on the versatile defender.

"I know nothing of this news but is seems very important to me that my name is on the list of objectives for Manchester," declared Ballesteros.

"It is a massive club and, in all truthfulness, it is an impressive option for me.

"It is clear that I am proud of this."

The 25-year-old saw a proposed move to The Dell collapse, when he decided to leave Tenerife after five years in the Canary Islands, and he joined Rayo instead, last August, signing on a four-year contract.

"I was on the verge of signing for Southampton in the past," he affirmed. "But, when the contracts were being prepared, everything fell through.

"I had to go to Rayo - it was written in my destiny."

Ferguson has gone on record as saying United`s defensive foundations will be built upon Jaap Stam and Wes Brown over the next few years but, with doubts over the fitness of Ronny Johnsen and the future of David May, it is not inconceivable that the Premiership champions may be looking for another defender in the summer.

Ballesteros has shown his ability to play in the centre, but has been used this season as more of a wing-back, showing his versatility by switching flanks and also impressed the Rayo faithful with his eye for goal.