Rumours suggest that Ruud van Nistelrooy's Old Trafford future may be in some doubt after he was seen driving away from the ground three hours before yesterday's final league game of the season against Charlton Athletic.

According to a report in yesterday's Sunday People, Sir Alex Ferguson, who is said to be fed up with the Dutch striker's attitude, is willing to exchange him, plus a further €21 million, for Atletico Madrid and Spain striker, Fernando Torres.

With van Nistelrooy valued at €17.5 million, a total package worth €38.5 million seems slightly on the steep side for the largely unproven young striker, who Sir Alex considers to be the perfect replacement for the Dutch star, who is rumoured to have a disruptive influence on the dressing room.

Elsewhere, hopes have risen that Xabi Alonso, who was carried off during Liverpool's 1-3 win against Portsmouth yesterday, may be fit to take part in next weekend's FA Cup final against West Ham after a scan this morning revealed that the Spanish midfielder has just strained ankle ligaments.

It is good news for Rafael Benitez, who is already without Luis Garcia (suspended after picking up a straight red against West Ham in the penultimate game of the season) and Robbie Fowler, who is cup-tied.