By Chris O'Brien
June 28 2004

Ruud Van Nistelrooy is not leaving Old Trafford. Red Devils chief executive David Gill has once again denied press reports that the Dutch forward will join Real Madrid over the summer for a rumoured fee of £33million.

Manchester United have once again denied press speculation that Ruud Van Nistelrooy will leave Old Trafford over the summer. The media have claimed that United are in talks with Real Madrid regarding the sale of the Dutch forward, but the club have insisted that they do not plan to offload the prolific centre forward.

It is rumoured that United are trying to raise transfer funds to sign Everton's teenage sensation Wayne Rooney over the summer, with figures as high as £50millon quotes in the papers for the England striker. However, chief executive David Gill has been quick to squash speculation that the Red Devils are looking to offload Van Nistelrooy.

"The level of reported interest shown by other clubs in Ruud shows what a great player he is and what an asset he is to us." said Gill.

"The continued speculation is frustrating but the key people - Alex Ferguson, Ruud and the board of directors, know that he will be with us next season."

£33million is the price tag rumoured to be on the head of Van Nistelrooy, but the club appear adamant that they will not sell their prize asset for next season. Sir Alex Ferguson has already splashed out £12.9million on purchases so far this summer, with Gabriel Heinze joining the defensive ranks, and the United boss also securing the controversial coup of former Leeds United forward Alan Smith.

Van Nistelrooy unfairly took some criticism for his performances last season despite another impressive goal scoring record. Some supporters blamed the absence of David Beckham for Van Nistelrooy not enjoying the success he had done in his first two seasons at United, but some excellent displays for the Netherlands at the European Championships in Portugal would suggest that the 28-year-old is very much back to his best.