ALAN SMITH has been given a lifeline in his fight to stay at Old Trafford.
The England ace, 26, has so far failed to land a new contract offer from Manchester United. But a sought-after place in UnitedÂ’s Far East tour squad is a major boost. Middlesbrough are interested in Smith - and with United attempting to push through their Carlos Tevez deal, SmithÂ’s time with the champions does look limited.But with Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer injured and Giuseppe Rossi on Italy duty, Smith is being paired with Wayne Rooney as one of only two front-line strikers in boss Alex FergusonÂ’s Far East squad.
Fergie views the four-match tour as vital to his new season build-up. And it will also give new arrivals Owen Hargreaves and Nani their first taste of life at United. Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand admitted: “All the players want to see them play - we are keen to see what they can do.”