United silent on Bebe probe

Manchester United have refused to be drawn on reports Bebe’s move to Old Trafford is being investigated by Portuguese anti-corruption police.

A reported three million pounds has gone missing from the transfer fee which was negotiated between Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes and United in August 2010.

It was claimed by directors of Vitoria Guimaraes that a sum of around three millions pounds went to Bebe’s agent as part of the dealings between to the two clubs, although the agent’s company would neither confirm nor deny the police had contacted them.

A United spokesman told The Guardian: “There is no need to comment at this stage because no one is alleging any wrongdoing by us.”

There is, reportedly, no suggestion that United have done anything wrong in the transfer process, and the club have gone on record as saying none of the fee went directly to an agent.

The transfer came as a shock to many at the time, as United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he had not actually seen Bebe play, but had signed him on the recommendation of his former assistant, Carlos Queiroz.

The United player is currently on loan to Turkish side Besiktas, having failed to make an impact at Old Trafford. He made only three starts last season, none of which were in the Premier League.