Utd Agree Fee for Ramsey

[PureOldGold]

Breaking news on BBC SPORT.

Manchester United have agreed a fee with FA Cup finalists Cardiff City for teenage sensation Aaron Ramsey.

The Champions League and Premier League winners have had an offer accepted believed to be in the region of £5m to £6m.

Cardiff also had offers from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool for the Wales Under-21 star, BBC Sport understands.

Ramsey, 17, has played just 22 games for Championship side Cardiff.

AARON RAMSEY

Born: December 26, 1990 in Caerphilly
Position: Midfielder
Club: Cardiff City (22 games, 2 goals)
Height: 5ft 10ins
Weight: 12st
Did you know?: Ramsey was an excellent rugby player and played on the wing for Caerphilly

A statement on United's official website read: "Manchester United is delighted to announce it has agreed terms with Cardiff City for the transfer of Aaron Ramsey subject to terms being agreed and the player passing a medical."

Sir Alex Ferguson kept a close eye on the young prodigy since Ramsey, the most wanted man outside the Premier League, broke into the Cardiff first-team this season.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones and Ridsdale met Ferguson when Cardiff's management team travelled to Barcelona in April before United's Champions League semi-final.

Suggestions are that the Manchester United manager will loan Ramsey back to The Bluebirds next season so the player known as 'Rambo' could gain vital first-team experience.

It will be the second deal struck between the two clubs this summer when Cardiff signed United's reserve team goalkeeper Tom Heaton on a season-long loan.

Uncapped Ramsey was included in John Toshack's full Wales squad for last week's friendly double-header against Iceland and The Netherlands but did not feature.

Ramsey is touted as Ryan Giggs' heir apparent in the Wales side and the Caerphilly-born Welsh speaker is now poised to follow his idol and fellow countryman at Old Trafford.

606: DEBATE
Is Cardiff City's young Aaron Ramsey worth £5m?

Wales youth guru Brian Flynn has hailed Ramsey as "sensational."

Flynn told BBC Sport last week: "He has everything - temperament, attitude, ability and work-ethic - to be a top Premier League and international player for the next 15 years.

"No wonder Sir Alex Ferguson likes the look of him, he's a special talent."

Cardiff have a long-standing debt of approximately £31m and Ridsdale has admitted all of his stars, including Ramsey and star midfielder Joe Ledley, are available "at the right price."

[jh1980]

Yeah I know, just been reading it. Was bound to happen really

At least we get him back for a season, I suppose if I could I'd say to him - if we get promoted with your help next season, will you then regret it, or not at all?

When will our destiny come? When indeed... just a small country West of England

[PureOldGold]

Yeah at least you've got him for another season and like you said it was gonna happen sooner or later, at least this way you get a keeper from them as well.

[jh1980]

I don't know how good the keeper is, he's back-up for Enkleman though as far as I know.

Like so many other teams though it's virtually impossible to reach the promised land without some investor shovelling money at the club, annoys me skinny!

[Forza's Blind Optimists (CPFC)]

At least you got a fee for your wonder kind.

[jh1980]

But people aren't happy... see this comment from a guy called "Jumped Up Pantry Boy" on BBC606:

This is crunch time for the Cardiff administration. We all hear, loud and clear, the message if this offer (which at best derisory in light of the amount spent on promising young talent in recent years by the top 4) is accepted.

But why accept? If Ramsey really is going to be as good as we are told why not hold on to him, in a years time he will be worth more, in two years even more - and it does not weaken the playing squad.

Why take an easy five mil now when with Ramsey in our side we could make the PL and gain potentially tens of millions and still have Ramsey.

This is not the same as Earnie's case when it was the right time to sell (in hindsight it seems so), or out of necessity or because the offer is just too good to refuse (Chopra last season).

Ridsdale and Jones need to be bold for a change without being reckless, and holding onto Ramsey's talent, and telling the big clubs (who are just trying to exploit the poor financial situation at the City) where to go unless they want to make a serious offer.

[Dr LuKas]

Can he cook?

[jh1980]

Jun 3, 2008 12:11:16 GMT -1 Dr LuKas said:

Can he cook?

He can do anything my son!

[Dr LuKas]

;D

Can he fly?

[jh1980]

Jun 3, 2008 12:17:03 GMT -1 Dr LuKas said:

;D

Can he fly?

Like a bird in the sky!

[Billy]

can he play football ;D

[jh1980]

Jun 3, 2008 13:55:19 GMT -1 Billy said:

can he play football ;D

Oi, cheeky bachgen!

He could beat Leeds on his own!

[---------a]

Sounds like a great deal for Cardiff.

[Billy]

what is a bachgen

[jh1980]

Jun 3, 2008 14:04:30 GMT -1 ---------a said:

Sounds like a great deal for Cardiff.

Not really, how much was Walcott again? 12 mill?

I think financially it's a rip, but having him loaned back for a season was the least we could ask for.

Don't worry Billy "bachgen" just means "boy"

[Natty]

The BBC understands Arsenal are the other club to have had their offer accepted from three formal bids lodged.

But Cardiff insist no deal has yet been struck and the midfielder will ultimately decide his destination.

[jh1980]

Jun 3, 2008 14:14:59 GMT -1 Natty said:

The BBC understands Arsenal are the other club to have had their offer accepted from three formal bids lodged.

But Cardiff insist no deal has yet been struck and the midfielder will ultimately decide his destination.

Erm I had the impression it was "definitely United" earlier?!

Media messing us around as per!

[Natty]

Jun 3, 2008 14:21:23 GMT -1 @jh1980 said:

Jun 3, 2008 14:14:59 GMT -1 Natty said:

The BBC understands Arsenal are the other club to have had their offer accepted from three formal bids lodged.

But Cardiff insist no deal has yet been struck and the midfielder will ultimately decide his destination.

Erm I had the impression it was "definitely United" earlier?!

Media messing us around as per!

it is ssn said 3 other clubs aswell, but man u r the first hes been allowed to speak to and then another club if he wants to

[MagicalUnited]

[Natty]

Everton are the latest club to have a bid accepted by Cardiff City for teenage sensation Aaron Ramsey.

BBC Wales Sport understands the Toffees have matched bids in the region of £5m already tabled by Manchester United and Arsenal for the 17-year-old midfielder.