Warning shot: Chelsea and City's huge wage bill will spark meltdown, warns United chief Gill

24 July 2009 10:38
Manchester United chief executive David Gill has warned big-spending Chelsea and Manchester City they face uncertain futures at the whim of billionaire owners who are lavishing millions on buying short-term success. With City poised to offer Chelsea £50million for captain John Terry and hand him £1m a month in wages, this summer has seen a staggering increase in the top money paid to the Barclays Premier League's star players. And the backlash against huge spending grew last night, with UEFA warning they are considering ways of disciplining clubs if they spend too much by banning them from European competition. In the wake of Sportsmail's revelations that City are wooing 28-year-old Terry with a £250,000 a week pay offer, Gill said: 'We're not in the market for 27, 28 or 29-year-olds for loads of money. It doesn't make sense. We have our own models and targets and we are operating within those. That's because we are operating for the medium and long term. 'We are not at the whim of someone pulling out and losing interest. You'd have to speak to those clubs about their plans for the medium and long term.' Gill defended United's decision not to spend all of the £80m they banked from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid and suggested he and manager Sir Alex Ferguson are protecting the club's long-term interests by not paying excessive wages and transfer fees. Real seem determined to add Liverpool's unsettled Xabi Alonso to their collection of new galacticos. Sporting director Miguel Pardeza said: 'Alonso is not a fad.' Liverpool's valuation is £35m and Real have made a £25m bid, but Pardeza added: 'I've not given up hope we can solve this.' City are in the middle of a £150m spree and this has alarmed UEFA president Michel Platini, who wants a 'club financial control panel' to curb spending. He wants incentives for clubs to act within their means and disciplinary action for those who don't, with bans from European competition or points deductions. The proposals will be put forward next month and UEFA spokesman said: 'To be viable, salaries and transfers should be proportionate to the generated income. Clubs should invest in youth sectors, and use their homegrown talent to reinforce their squads.' It is suggested spending should be included as part of UEFA's club licensing system but the plan is likely to lead to more conflict with UEFA.

Source: Daily_Mail