Empoli full-back Alberto Massacci claims he has spoken to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and will shortly sign a deal at Old Trafford. "When Sir Alex Ferguson rang me up, I couldn't believe it," the 16 year old told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I had an hour-long conversation with him, in English. He seemed a humble person and nobody from the club made the pressure of an historic side weigh on my shoulders.

"In life a chance like this only comes past you once, so you've got to grab it with both hands. It isn't an easy decision aged 16 to leave home, family and friends, but I don't want to have regrets."