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Barthez poised to sign with Manchester United |
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May 31, 2000 MANCHESTER, England, MAY 30 (AP) - Fabien Barthez, France's winning goalkeeper in the 1998 World Cup, was poised Tuesday to join Manchester United on a transfer reported at 10 million pounds (dlrs 15 million).
Barthez, who led Monaco to the French league title this season, has been criticized recently by coach Claude Puel for his attitude in an end-of-season match with Marseille.
The move puts a cloud over the future of Manchester United's No. 1 goalie this season, Australian Mark Bosnich. Bosnich has played well at times but has not been convincing as the long-term replacement for Peter Schmeichel, who left the team after the 1998-99 season.
"I can confirm that we are in discussions with Barthez and we would expect an early conclusion to it," said Peter Kenyon, the club's deputy chief executive.
"The medical has still to take place but we're getting close and I think later today (Tuesday) we should be able to make an announcement. We would hope that by today (Tuesday) we will have concluded everything so that is the expectation."
Not only is Man United hoping to close the deal quickly, but French national team coach Roger Lemerrer has asked his players to settle any transfers before the European Championship begins in two weeks. |