Spurs wait in wings as Brown stalls on deal

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The United hierarchy are unimpressed with Brown's refusal to agree a new four-year deal and Ferguson is open to the possibility of replacing him in the next month, despite his recent good form.

The news of Brown's likely exit will sadden United fans, who regard the Salford defender as a local hero, but the blow will be softened if Ferguson is able to land Scotland international full-back Alan Hutton from Rangers.

Newcastle will appeal to Brown, whose former United team-mate Alan Smith is leading the sales pitch for St James' Park, but the smart money may be on Spurs.

Their manager, Juande Ramos, does not see Pascal Chimbonda as the long-term answer at right-back and the Frenchman is linked with a move away from White Hart Lane. Ramos admires Brown's versatility, as he can play anywhere across the back four.

Brown, 28, joined United while still at school and was once rated by Ferguson as the 'best defender in England'.

But with six months left on his deal, he is reluctant to accept less than half the £120,000 a week agreed by Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.