United ponder Crespo bid
Rather than sell their record signing back to Lazio, which has long been mooted, Sir Alex Ferguson's side are contemplating making a move for the Roman outfit's star striker and playing him alongside his Argentinian international colleague.
Well-informed sources in the Italian capital suggest the great friends will be re-united, but not at Stadio Olimpico, as planned by Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti.
Veron travelled to his former club recently and received a rapturous reception, and the main purpose of the visit was to meet up again with Crespo, one of the sharpest shooters in Serie A.
Although his heart is still with Lazio, the 26-year-old has continually pledged his future to United, and the reality is that the biancoceleste are struggling to reach the Champions League next term.
Crespo is not in the best of form, he played particularly poorly against Chievo Verona, and the demanding tifosi are becoming a little frustrated with the 26-year-old.
United are being credited with a ‚é¼60 million (£36.6 million) bid for the former Parma striker, although it is understood that no firm approach has yet been made.
Agent Gustavo Mascardi represents both players and he has been busy working this week with regards to a number of transfers.
Ferguson knows that Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are forming a lethal partnership, but the raw Diego Forlan needs time to settle in at Old Trafford.
The only other Premiership-class striker on the club's books is Dwight Yorke, and his future looks bleak after being consigned to the reserves once again on Thursday night.
Although it is obvious that Ferguson's priority signing in the summer must surely be at least one defender, it could be argued that there is room within the Premiership champions' squad for another top-quality hit-man.
Veron, who showed signs of recapturing his best form in the convincing win over Nantes with a masterful display, is determined to be a success in England, and The Red Devils are equally keen for their £28.1 million buy to justify the massive outlay.
"I would like to take everyone with me but, if I have to say only one name, I would go for Crespo," the former Sampdoria star said last July, soon after signing for United.
To add further fuel to the fire, Crespo recently suggested he was prepared to leave Lazio in order to win more trophies.
"I am inclined to look for a competitive side," last season's top scorer in Serie A confessed. "I want to win.
"I don't want to leave, but I must see signs that the rest of the team is becoming competitive."
Meanwhile, links to Perugia loan-star Oscar Cordoba continue to rumble on.
It is being suggested that Manchester United are sending scouts to watch the veteran goalkeeper, who has said in the past that he would love to play in The Premiership.
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