Spurs defend deal with Zeki Fryers after Sir Alex Ferguson blast

Zeki Fryers, Manchester United. Picture: Andrew Matthews/EMPICS

Saturday, January 5, 2013
8:40 AM

Tottenham defended the deal they had agreed with Zeki Fryers that caused Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to become enraged.

The 20-year-old left the Red Devils in the summer to join Standard Liege, despite interest from Spurs but the two clubs couldn’t agree a fee, but has subsequently joined the Lilywhites in January.

A Tottenham spokesman said: “Zeki Fryers was out of contract in the summer. We had looked in to the possibility of signing the player but were unable to agree a deal on the terms Manchester United were asking.

“Zeki chose to go to Standard Liege, who paid compensation to Manchester United. Zeki enjoyed his time at Standard. However, when Standard sacked their manager in November Zeki wasn’t part of the new manager’s plans, which he accepts and understands happens in football.

“Unfortunately, a combination of this, and the fact that he had become homesick meant he wanted to return to England and his representatives made contact with clubs in England. This afforded us a second opportunity to sign the player and as per FIFA’s solidarity contribution mechanism, Manchester United will receive five per cent of the transfer fee we have paid.”