Kluivert reveals Ruud pleas

The Barcelona forward has emerged as a summer transfer target for the Premiership champions and could be poised for a cut-price switch away from Camp Nou.

Kluivert has a clause in his contract which enables Barca to slash his wages but only on the proviso his transfer release fee is drastically reduced to £1.5 million.

Such a figure would surely tempt United, and a string of other leading European clubs, into launching a bid to prise Kluivert away from Catalunya.

The 26-year-old is waiting for a decision on his future at Camp Nou but may have to bide his time until after the Barcelona presidential elections on June 15 before discovering where he will spend next season.

But the Dutch international admitted if his Holland team-mate had his way, Kluivert would be lining up in a Red Devils shirt at the start of the 2003/04 campaign.

Kluivert has repeatedly been linked with a move to Old Trafford and the former Ajax ace has revealed prolific marksman van Nistelrooy is regularly pleading with him to sign for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

"If it had been down to Ruud, I would have signed for United a long time ago," Kluivert told The Sun.

"I have had various calls from Ruud, at least three. We've also chatted when we've been together with the Holland team. The first time he called was after Christmas.

"I don't know whether he's joking or not but he's told me lots of times that, sooner or later, I'll end up playing for United.

"He makes a point of telling me how good the atmosphere there is and that fans are closer to the players than in Italy or Spain.

"He's really happy to be playing in England.

"Ruud told me the way I play is ideally suited to English football and, although I'm happy in Spain, things haven't gone at all well this season.

"I already know Dutch, Italian and Spanish football. English is one of the few I don't. At some stage I will play for a big Premiership club."