SAVIO REJECTS UNITED LOAN
MANCHESTER UNITED are believed to have made an enquiry to take Real Madrid star Savio on loan, but the Brazilian is only interested in a permanent transfer.
The player's agent Joao Henrique Areias revealed that he had been approached by an English agent in the Spanish capital about the possibility of Savio moving to Old Trafford until June.
Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been a long-term admirer of the winger, but the 27-year-old does not want to quit The Santiago Bernabeu on a temporary basis.
Areias told planetfootball.com: "We were contacted by an agent in Madrid, who asked me if the player would be interested in going to Manchester United on loan until June.
"I met Ferguson in Rio de Janiero at the World Club Championship two years ago, and he told me he liked Savio and thought he was a good player.
"Savio would very much like to go to England, and Manchester United are one of the most important club teams in the world, but, if he leaves Real Madrid, it must be for a permanent transfer."
Ferguson could perceive Savio as an ideal understudy for Ryan Giggs on the left hand side of midfield, as given the Welshman's injury problems, there would be plenty of opportunities for the former Flamengo man.
Another option for the Old Trafford chief would be to deploy Giggs alongside Ruud Van Nistelrooy on a regular basis, leaving Savio as first choice, although he would be unavailable in the Champions League.
The Brazilian has previously been linked with United's Premiership rivals Chelsea, while French outfit Lyon are currently in negotiations with Real Madrid over a permanent deal.
Savio would cost in the region of £11 million, but Areias admitted the player would be happy to see out the remaining 18 months of his present contract.
He said: "Savio's interest is to stay with Real until the end of the contract in June next year, but if Real receive an interesting offer from a team from one of the major countries then we are ready to analyse it."
