Fergie hints at Smith exit
19 Jul 2007 - 16:09:55
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that if Carlos Tevez's transfer to Old Trafford is ever completed he will allow Alan Smith and Giuseppe Rossi to leave the club.
Rossi spent last season on loan with Newcastle United and Parma while Smith has spoken earlier in the summer of a possible United exit.
Middlesbrough have been linked with the former Leeds United star and Ferguson told the Manchester Evening News: "We've had offers for Giuseppe, which puts us in a bit of a situation, while the quandary with Alan surrounds his long-term future and getting regular games.
"There is no doubt Alan did fantastically well for us when he came back last season.
"He gave the team a spiritual lift and, because he is such a fighter, he was an inspiration to us. But he is 26 now and he wants regular football.
"I have to look at Manchester United in terms of how do we improve to get better? And when someone like Tevez comes along, it makes it difficult for people like Alan and Giuseppe in particular.
"The most important thing is that they are our players and we can make decisions when we like."
