United and Ferguson angered by Veron sale claims

Manchester United say midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron is not leaving the club or returning to SS Lazio in the summer.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson goes so far as to claim that 'The Daily Mail' has a vendetta against him and his agent son.

United's director of communications Paddy Harverson said:

"It's completely untrue that Manchester United have opened any discussions to sell Juan Sebastian Veron. There is absolutely no truth whatsoever in that story."

Ferguson took time out from confirmation of his new three year contract as manager to rail against 'The Mail':

"It's absolute rubbish. The Daily Mail has been running a campaign against myself, my son, and the club. It's a disgrace, it's a vendetta."

Ferguson's son works as an agent and represents several players who have been linked with United.

He represents for example West Ham player Paolo Di Canio who came close to joining United last month.

The Italian has today called for "another English club" to sign him from West Ham this summer but still hopes to sign for United.

Ferguson's son has some links with Rome club Lazio after helping United off load Dutch defender Jaap Stam last August in a £16 million transfer.

Lazio want Veron to return to them although Inter and FC Barcelona are also interested in the Argentine if United do decide to sell.

The player's principle agent is Gustavo Mascardi who has intimate links with Lazio, Inter and Barca.

Ferguson often rages against the media and banned all interviews with the BBC last season over a magazine article.

He also imposed a media ban on all interviews this season when he was talking of retirement but the Scot has since abandoned plans to quit United immediately and has a new contract worth at least £10 million over the next three years with the Premiership leaders.