The Sun says chairman Daniel Levy rejected United's £20 million bid and yesterday shocked Old Trafford with his demands for a near-British record fee.

Levy is determined to play hardball after receiving stinging criticism from fans for the £18.6m sale of Michael Carrick to United two years ago.

They believe the England midfielder was under-priced and Levy is determined that will not happen again.

But United refuse to go above £24m for Berba and are ready to play a waiting game, knowing Levy is desperate to raise cash for boss Juande Ramos.