---
title: "Can Skint Fergie Rustle Up £16M for Evra’s Replacement?"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/can-skint-fergie-rustle-up-16m-for-evras-replacement/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Jordan Hoose"
section: "Ligue 1 News"
published: "2010-10-11T15:07:36Z"
modified: "2010-10-11T15:22:00Z"
---

# Can Skint Fergie Rustle Up £16M for Evra’s Replacement?

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/michelbastos_304646-150x150.jpg)

"Can I speak with Mr. Ferguson, please?"

It’s October. It’s international week. So, quite naturally, the forums and gossip pages are alive with the sound of bullsh\*t. And so, also quite naturally, I’m going to embrace such stories with open arms: and bring you the “news” that Sir Alex is lining up a £16million move for Brazil and Lyon ace Michel Bastos.

With Patrice Evra supposedly/allegedly/reportedly grumbling about life in Manchester, Fergie is keen to bring in the Brazilian to offer another option at left-back. He’s made his name for Lyon, however, playing in a more advanced position on the left-wing, where he had an impressive first season with the French club. Bastos wouldn’t necessarily be unfamiliar with a slot at full-back, though, having impressed for Brazil there during the World Cup.

It’d be a fairly natural signing for Ferguson: surely a better option than O’Shea (poor going forward) or Fabio (defensively naïve) at left-back, with the potential to fill Giggs’ role in the squad once the Welshman eventually retires. The dubious nature of this (non) story lies in United’s current transfer policy: Berbatov was supposed to be the last expensive signing for a player over 26; Bastos is 27, the same age as Berba when he left Spurs for United. Besides, what with the £80million loss recently announced by United, it’s difficult to see the Glazers shelling out. Oh, but of course – the “Ronaldo money” is still there, isn’t it Mr. Gill?

***Follow me on Twitter: [http://twitter.com/JordanHoose](https://twitter.com/JordanHoose)***