United deny that Veron has escape plan ready

Manchester United have denied that Juan Sebastian Veron has a clause in his contract which allows him to leave England next summer.

'The Daily Mail' claimed today that Veron was interested in a possible £32 million move to FC Barcelona that would exercise a right in contract to quit his new club after just one season.

But Director of communications Paddy Harverson said today: "There is no get-out clause."

That does not of course mean that Veron has a long term future with United.

The club's record signing had close links with Inter and FC Barcelona last summer before SS Lazio agreed a £28.1 million move to England.

Veron's presence in the United midfield has pushed both Roy Keane and Paul Scholes out of position and jeopardised a defence which has conceded more goals this season than bottom club Ipswich.

The Argentine's patchy form has come at a high price for United and with a new coach needed next season, the Old Trafford club need to maximise transfer revenue to compete with the other top clubs who are ready to start serious shopping at the World Cup finals next summer.

A large cash offer for Veron - whose agent Gustavo Mascardi has had talks in the past with Barcelona and Real Madrid as well as both Milan clubs - could tempt them to sell.