GABRIEL Heinze is poised to leave Manchester United as Real Madrid prepare a £6m bid to tempt him to the Bernabeu.

The Argentinian ace has vowed not to discuss his future with anyone until after his country’s involvement in the Copa America ends, but has let friends know he is unhappy at playing second fiddle to Patrice Evra for much of last season.

And that could mean Mikael Silvestre’s Old Trafford career is extended by another season despite strong interest from both Bordeaux and top French club Lyon.

The Reds are also said to be considering an £8m bid from Everton for Alan Smith and Kieran Richardson as they look to recoup some of the initial £40m outlay for Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson.

Option

Heinze’s injury troubles and his long absence on international duty – he will miss United’s pre-season tour of the Far East should Argentina progress in the Copa America – have not done him any favours, despite being a fans’ favourite.

And United legend Pat Crerand believes that a move away from Old Trafford may be the best option for the player.
 
“I think there is a strong possibility Gabby will go,” he said.

“That would be disappointing for the supporters and for the club but since Patrice came in he has been magnificent, and Gabby must be thinking he won’t play as often as he would like.

“Then you see that Roberto Carlos has left Real Madrid – so they are desperate for a left-back.

“And if you are not in the team like Gabby, you are not happy. A manager would also be angry with any player who is happy sitting on the bench.”

But Crerand feels Heinze will get games if he should stays, saying: “There are very few players at this club who are certain of their place every week – maybe three or four.

Injuries

“Look at the players United have used over the years who are not first choices but have ended up playing 25 games a season because of injuries, resting players and so on.”

Silvestre comes into that category. After starting the season, he broke a metatarsal in September, lost his place as Evra and Nemanja Vidic came into their own, and then broke his collarbone in April to ensure a miserable end to the season.
 
That ensured he only played 14 league games last season.

His absence from the recently-released photograph of the United squad sporting the new-look kit sparked fresh speculation that he was on the move this summer.

The explanation for that one is simple as the photo was taken in April, and Silvestre was absent from training due to his injury – the picture also features Phil Marsh, who has since left the club.

But former team-mate Laurent Blanc is keen to take the French international defender to Bordeaux, while Lyon are also interested in a player who has now been at Old Trafford for eight years.
 
United players return for pre-season training tomorrow without Heinze and new signing Anderson, who is also on Copa America duty with his Brazilian team-mates.
In fact, Anderson could miss United’s pre-season tour if Brazil reach the final, which is on July 15, the day after the Reds fly out to the Far East.

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