They have spent the past 12 months eyeing each other suspiciously across oak-panelled offices and arbitration rooms.

And now the two clubs, whose bitter dispute over the Carlos Tevez Affair is finally approaching its endgame, may be preparing for a more traditional form of sporting dispute.

United's business links Down Under, where they boast partnerships with A-League Grand Finalists Central Coast Mariners and property firm Valad, meant it was inevitable they would be linked with the 28-year-old following his decision to seek a move from the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

But, if the West Australian newspaper is correct, they will shortly become embroiled in another acrimonious battle with their rivals from East London who are also said to be preparing a bid for the shaven-headed Socceroo.

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That's a prospect which will fill neither United manager Kevin Blackwell or Alan Curbishley, his counterpart at Upton Park, with joy.
Having spent the past nine years in Italy, where he has also represented Empoli and Parma, Bresciano will probably be blissfully unaware of the situation's complexities.


An impressive CV suggests that he will not be short of options should Palermo accept his transfer request.

A valuation of $A8.25 million (£4 m) could prove to be a stumbling block for Blackwell unless one of United's sponsors help to subsidise the deal.

But the Socceroos' suitability to become the goalscoring midfielder Blackwell feels the club have lacked since Michael Brown's departure means he is certainly worthy of further consideration.

Having scored 10 goals in 42 appearances for his country, including four at the 2006 World Cup, Bresciano scored just once in 28 for the Rosanero last term.

However, in the chess-like confines of Serie A, his return was still judged to be acceptable by coach Stefano Colantuono - and a record of 14 from 71 during the previous two campaigns would translate well in the Championship.

Former Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson offered £5 million for his services last summer before red tape wrecked the switch.
Meanwhile, Wellington Phoenix have signed Mariners striker Adam Kwasnik.
The 25-year-old scored 15 goals in 62 A-League matches for Lawrie McKinna's side.

Former United target Stelios Giannakopoulos is scheduled to open talks with newly-promoted Hull City.

The Greece international rejected the chance of a move to South Yorkshire last season, citing a desire to remain in the Premiership.

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