Riquelme admiration for United

Villarreal's Juan Roman Riquelme has given his admiration for Manchester United.

The Argentina international gave his praise for The Red Devils, as United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is thought to be lining up a move for the former Boca Juniors and Barcelona playmaker.

The 27-year-old has resurrected his European career with The Yellow Submarines following a nightmare spell at Camp Nou.

Riquelme's performances this season for the Spanish upstarts have seen Villarreal reach this season's UEFA Champions League semi-finals and the midfielder is sure to be a key player in Jose Pekerman's Argentina World Cup squad this summer.

With Ferguson reportedly keeping a close eye on the talented South American, Riquelme gave a positive reflection of the Old Trafford club.

"I follow English football a lot on television," Riquelme said in the Daily Express.

"I have a clear idea of what the Premier League is like: it is very strong.

"United have a team crammed full of stars. Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo have a great future, they are almost there already.

"And Old Trafford is one of the historic stadiums in world football."

United are widely expected to make a move for Riquelme's compatriot in Deportivo La Coruna's Aldo Duscher.

The Argentine has admitted that a fee of £8 million will allow him to leave the Riazor in the close season.

One player who could be heading through the United exit door is striker Ruud van Nistelrooy after reports suggested the Dutchman has a clause in his contract will allow him to move to Real Madrid.

It is thought the former PSV Eindhoven goalscorer could exercise the reported clause for a fee of £17.5 million.

Serie A giants Internazionale have also shown interest in the 29-year-old, who has lost favour with Ferguson in recent weeks.