United close to two new signings

13 April 2012

Manchester United are in talks to sign two left-sided players and could seal deals for Frenchman Julien Escude and Argentina's Juan Pablo Sorin this week.

Sportsmail can reveal that officials from Old Trafford and Rennes will meet on Friday to discuss Escude's transfer, while Sorin has been offered to United to wipe out an £8million debt.

Lazio still owe United half of the £16m fee they agreed to pay for Jaap Stam last year. Sorin can play as a left wing back or on the left of midfield and it is possible that he will be signed despite Sir Alex Ferguson's desire to recruit Escude.

At the moment, Rennes are demanding £5m for the 22-year-old while United are willing to pay £3m.

A compromise will be suggested by the French club at Friday's meeting which would see the talented left back remain at Rennes for another season and join United next summer.

In that case, a deal for Sorin would be convenient for United as they strive to fill the gaps in defence left by the departures of Denis Irwin, Ronny Johnsen and Ronnie Wallwork. Lazio are currently on a pre-season tour of England and have played Liverpool and Derby and are due to meet Blackburn.

Sorin, however, is recovering from a slight injury and is believed to be in Argentina though he is expected to be fit for the start of the season.

Agents working for Lazio have offered the player to Leeds United but cash restrictions at Elland Road may have put paid to any deal.

Leeds manager Terry Venables has been spending some cash, though, and expects the £2.75m capture of Nick Barmby from Liverpool to be completed today. Barmby, who moved to Anfield from Everton for £6m two seasons ago, was in Leeds last night and his agent was discussing terms with chairman Peter Ridsdale.

The player is due to have a medical this morning before being unveiled as the first signing of the Venables era. Barmby, who began his career at White Hart Lane under Venables, has been dogged by injury at Anfield and manager Gerard Houllier has to reduce a senior squad swelled by several high-profile summer signings.

PR fixer Max Clifford, once prominent at Fulham, is helping Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale with behindthescenes plc matters but is not expected to become involved in the football club itself.

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United close to two new signings

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