Escude pleads for Man Utd move

Escude says he needs to move on to a new challenge

Rennes defender Julien Escude says he will fight for a dream move to Manchester United.

The 23-year-old is a target of Sir Alex Ferguson, but the United boss has been frustrated in his bid to sign the former France Under-21 star.

Rennes have said that they are unwilling to sell him this season and the player is worried that any delay could harm his career.

"I am worried such a chance might not happen again," Escude said. "It's an incredible opportunity for me and this is what I want the Rennes directors to understand.

I have spent three great seasons with Rennes but I have other objectives and ambitions now

Julien Escude

"A career in football is short and things are always going fast, that is why it is important to seize the opportunities when they come up.

"It is time for me to move on and reach another step in my career."

Escude joined Rennes in 1999 from Second Division side Cannes and soon imposed himself in the first team.

But he is convinced he has gone as far as he can with the French club and he expected more from the 11 August meeting between officials from Rennes and Old Trafford which ended without agreement.

Rennes asked for around £5.1m for the player while the Premiership side were not willing to offer more than half that sum.

The next day Escude excluded himself from training and coach Philippe Bergeroo dropped him from the league game against Guingamp at the weekend.

Escude in Rennes quarrel

Rennes officials were also unhappy at United's approach to negotiations, with Bergeroo and president Emmanuel Cueff accusing the Red Devils of a high-handed attitude towards them.

But these disputes have not made Escude change his position.

"I have been repeating since the season started that I wanted to leave, I will keep fighting to be heard," he said.

"I have spent three great seasons with Rennes but I have other objectives and ambitions now."

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