Saha makes his peace with Coleman

When Manchester United call, there are few clubs and players in the world who will turn them down.

Fulham boss Chris Coleman made a valiant effort to keep striker Louis Saha but, barring a last-minute hitch, he will lose the battle in the next few days.

Chelsea's interest provided a brief distraction but United, who have agreed a £12million fee, were always in the driving seat.

Saha was due in Manchester today to begin talks on personal terms and have a medical.

Coleman will be without him for Fulham's game at Newcastle tonight after which he must find a replacement for his 15-goal top scorer. He has already been linked with American Brian McBride of Columbus Crew and Chelsea's Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Coleman can be satisfied he did all he could to keep hold of Saha and even the Frenchman, who would seem to be the last person to speak out on his behalf, backed his manager's stance. He said: "His was a sporting opinion and so was mine. I understand absolutely. If I was in the same position, I would do the same thing. He has done a great job as manager and maybe I should thank him for everything before. I was a fan of his, the way he reacted and played.

"It will be hard for me to leave Fulham because they made me the player that I am. The squad have been great and it was the same when Steve Finnan left the club to join Liverpool last summer. He was a good player and we did not want him to leave but I was delighted for him because it was a big challenge for him. That is what it is for me now, but I am not going to say that I am going to do this or that for Manchester United. It is not done yet but hopefully it will be."

Fulham should have defenders Carlos Bocanegra and Ian Pearce in their squad for the first time for the trip to Newcastle, while Moritz Volz returns after completing his move from Arsenal. Alain Goma is fit after a hamstring strain.