Fergie confirms Barmby move

Sir Alex Ferguson believes time is right for Barmby move

Sir Alex Ferguson has explained why he wants to add Everton's Nick Barmby to his Manchester United squad.

United emerged as surprise rivals to Liverpool for Barmby's signature after he turned down a new contract at Everton.

But Ferguson insists Nicky Butt will not be part of any potential part exchange deal.

Barmby was offered a deal worth around £27,000 a week that would have made him the highest paid player in Everton's history.

He rejected the offer - and stunned Everton by telling manager Walter Smith he wanted to join Liverpool.

Nick Barmby is wanted by Liverpool and Manchester United

Liverpool had an instant £3.5m bid rejected - and United have since contacted Everton.

Ferguson said: "We are going to lose Quinton Fortune to South Africa for three months at the start of the season.

" He's got the Olympic Games and World Cup qualifiers so he won't be around for pre-season and for a while.

"Jordi Cruyff has left the club and Jesper Blomqvist may not be back straight away after his knee injury that kept him out all last term."

Butt, however, will not figure in any move, with Ferguson insisting: "Nicky Butt is perfectly happy here. He doesn't always play, but who does always play here at United?"