Rennes blast 'insulting' offer

Rennes president Emmanuel Cueff has described Manchester United's £2m offer for Julien Escude as "almost insulting".

And he has urged the defender to stay with the French side for another season rather than move to United.

Cueff, speaking ahead of Rennes' 3-0 defeat by En Avant Guinchamp, said he rates Escude at closer to £5m.

"The offer that Manchester United made to us is almost insulting considering what they are capable of paying for Rio Ferdinand," Cueff told French newspaper L'Equipe.

"Julien should devote himself to us for another year. I would like him to become a real key member of the first team.

"He is about to become a shining and talented member of the squad. Staying one more year in Rennes is not depreciating nor shameful.

"Julien is a reasonable guy, he is a professional, and he will at some point come back to his senses."

If United are to sign Escude they must do so by the 31 August transfer deadline.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is desperate to add another defender to his squad.

England internationals Ferdinand, signed from Leeds for £30m, Wes Brown and Gary Neville are all out injured.

Escude has stopped training with his Rennes team-mates in an attempt to try and force the move to Old Trafford.

Escude in Rennes quarrel