BARTHEZ READY TO QUIT UNITED?

FABIEN BARTHEZ could quit Manchester United at the end of the season because his long-term girlfriend, supermodel Linda Evangelista, says that she does not want to begin her married life in the North West.

Barthez, who only recently signed a bumper six-year deal with the Premiership champions, became engaged to the Canadian stunner during the summer and it is reported in the tabloid press that the 30-year-old is ready to turn his back on Old Trafford for the sake of their relationship.

Barthez is currently in the process of selling his £350,000 Cheshire home to United team-mate Juan Veron, prompting speculation that he is about to move in with French international colleague Laurent Blanc as a temporary measure.

The eccentric Frenchman recently revealed that he would like to play out the remainder of his career in Manchester and it would come as a major surprise if he was to quit the club.

However, if the reports are correct, a number of European managers - including Monaco's Didier Deschamps - will be monitoring developments with great interest.

The former Chelsea and Juventus midfielder has struggled to assert himself on club management in the principality, and the addition to his squad of a high-profile name such as that of Barthez would undoubtedly enhance his reputation amongst the club's financial backers.