Man Utd, Arsenal tell Real Madrid: Hands off our stars

Manchester United and Arsenal have both told Real Madrid to forget about trying to sign their star strikers.

United ace Ruud van Nistelrooy and Arsenal's Thierry Henry are both major targets for Real president Florentino Perez.

But United chief Ken Merrett told Marca yesterday: "No possibility exists of seeing Ruud leave United and much less to reinforce Real Madrid, one of our main rivals in European football."

"In addition I must inform, in case they do not know it in Spain, that Van Nistelrooy has a contract with us to the end of this season and two more. There is nothing to talk about and I would request that Real Madrid does not try to approach him."

Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein was even stronger in his message to Real Madrid.

"Please, I ask that you read my lips: ' He (Henry) is not for sale'. Is that clear? He is untouchable and I also ask Madrid to stay away."

"To sell great players brings the following negative consequences: first, it debilitates the team. Second, it reinforces a direct rival. Third, it demoralizes coaches, officials and his teammates. And fourthly, what message does it send to our fans? Solely, a lack of ambition. So I ask that Real Madrid stays far away and they do not touch Henry."