We're counting the seconds until someone revives the 'Van Nistelrooy coming to Arsenal' rumour. Man Utd's official website is saying that the transfer - which would have been a UK record - 'cannot proceed at the present time'.

'Manchester United wish Ruud every success with his rehabilitation programme and will continue to monitor the situation very closely in order to achieve our desire to make him a Manchester United player.'

So with a bit of luck, he'll be a bit cheaper if Arsene's still interested...