Fergie on Butt and Saha

The Manchester United manager, as ever, was keeping his cards close to his chest but admitted a number of clubs have already enquired about Butt's availability.

Whether the sale of an England regular will be off-set by the arrival of a glamorous new signing at Old Trafford is still not guaranteed as Ferguson refused to disclose whether he will improve his bid for Saha or look elsewhere for a new forward.

"I feel disappointment and frustration," complained Ferguson in an interview with Sky Sports News.

"He was the first lad to break into the first team, played a part in the semi-final against Oldham and played a part in the equalising goal, actually.

"The frustrating part is he wants first team football. Phil Neville's form has been so good this season, it's difficult to get him a game.

"He's played 11 times but it's not enough for him.

"I saw him and nothing was said about whether he's leaving or not. I'm keeping Nicky abreast of who's phoning and which clubs are interested obviously, and we'll take it that way, if you like.

"He's been a fantastic player, more than that it's his character. But one of Nicky's concerns is the international thing with the European Championship coming up. He wants to get in that.

"I can understand it but I don't enjoy it."

As for Saha, the move still appears deadlocked as Ferguson tries to play a war of attrition with Fulham, whose interest in Brian McBride could indicate a softening in Chris Coleman's approach towards losing his top scorer.

"I'm amused at some of the things I see in the papers," revealed the Red Devils manager. "You often see swap deals and that does amuse me.

"We put in an offer, they refused it, and that's where it lies.

"Of course, I have sympathy for him (Saha) but it's out of our hands and that's Fulham's department. We can't get involved.

"We'll just wait. We'll wait and see what happens.

"I'm not committing myself to anything!"