After a very active summer, with the signings of Phil Jones, Ashley Young and David De Gea, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that he will not be signing any more players this summer, despite Paul Scholes' replacement slot still remaining vacant.
Scholes brought a remarkable career to an end after last season, and many big name players including Wesley Sneijder, Luka Modric and Samir Nasri were all linked to United as a possible replacement. However, Ferguson has now stated that he would look to players at his disposal to step up and fill the gap.
''We are always looking for good quality players,'' said Ferguson. ''We started the season with the players we have and I am satisfied with that. We are not looking at the moment but we are looking at combinations of central midfielders now at the club.''
The likes of Anderson will be required to step up a mark, but the statement hasn't stopped players from being linked to Old Trafford.
Sunday's newspapers saw Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton linked with a move, but the Englishman has now stated, through the means of Twitter, that he would remain at Newcastle till the end of his contract next summer.
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He wrote, "Nice to be linked with some big clubs today but I honestly don't want to leave Newcastle. Thanks but no thanks. #unfinishedbusinesshere"
"I will most likely leave Newcastle at end of season, when my contract expires and I am no longer employed. It's out of my hands #iwanttostay?" he added.
Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but the Italian side's sporting director, Walter Sabatini, has vociferously stated that the player is not for sale.
Despite De Rossi having just a year remaining in his contract, Sabatini stated that he would prefer losing him for free next year than right now.
A report in talkSport quoted him as saying, "We are in talks over the renewal (of De Rossi's contract) and will not begin any process with other clubs. He is not for sale.
"I'd prefer to have long negotiations over the contract renewal and risk losing him in a year than let him go today. The club will do everything possible to keep hold of De Rossi.
"Daniele is not subject to negotiations, as he has never and will never be on the market."
Elsewhere, United's French defender Patrice Evra has admitted that he has been attempting to persuade Samir Nasri to move to Old Trafford.
United had a £20 million bid for Nasri turned down by Arsenal last month, and though Manchester City are prepared to offer more both to the club and to the player, Evra told The Telegraph that he has been talking up everything Man United to his French teammate.
