Gill: Watch this space

Manchester United chief executive David Gill believes the club can still compete with Chelsea in the transfer market and has urged any doubters to 'watch this space'.

After the signings of Alan Smith, Liam Miller and Gabriel Heinze, some commentators have suggested the days of United being big players in the transfer market are over.

A much-anticipated move for Wayne Rooney has failed to materialise, and Gill has once again accepted any valuation from Everton would be beyond the self-proclaimed biggest club in the world's means.

"You look at prices being mentioned as to being £30 million to £50 million and that is way off the mark," he told The Express.

"We do not comment on transfers but, on this occasion, I can say that there has been no direct contact. 

"We may not be top kings any more but we are nearly there when it comes to money.

"If you look at it, we can compete aggressively and sensibly in the transfer market and will continue to do so.

"We will continue to invest heavily in the squad.

"We can compete. We are a very profitable company and a very well-supported club. That means we have the financial assets to compete in the transfer market.

"Anyone who thinks we can't should watch this space."

That comment will spark more tabloid speculation regarding any future bids from United, but Sir Alex Ferguson seems happy to stick with his squad despite losing Cristiano Ronaldo and one of his three senior summer arrivals, Heinze, to the Olympics.