Smith agent urges United action - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Smith agent urges United action

Manchester United have been urged to tell Alan Smith whether or not he has a future at the club.

The England striker on Wednesday admitted he will "consider his options" unless he is given assurances over his his role at the Barclays Premier League champions. And his agent Alex Black wants United to clarify his client's position as soon as possible.

"I think if you're definitely not wanted, you need to be told that," Black said on BBC Radio Five Live.

The 26-year-old former Leeds frontman made a good return to first-team action towards the end of last season after severe injury problems.

His form also saw him recalled to the England fold, but Smith is concerned he may be restricted to a bit-part role with the champions next season.

Black revealed Smith has been concerned about his future ever since United chose not to exercise a clause in his contract, which would have seen it extended by another year to 2010.

"Obviously, you're going to have some question marks in your head as to where that leaves you," said Black, adding that Smith is not looking for a guarantee of first-team football. "Nobody would expect that at a club like Manchester United."

Unless United make the first move, Smith is set to remain in limbo until the start of pre-season training.

"Alan's gone away on holiday for a few weeks and these are the sort of conversations that probably need to take place face to face," Black said. "I'm sure him and Sir Alex will have a chat at the start of pre-season.

"The only conversation so far that's taken place has been between myself and David Gill, the chief executive, and that was brought up regarding the re-negotiation clause."

Sport in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Gala night for the Queen of arts - stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute

Happy & glorious

Stars turn out in their hundreds to pay tribute to Queen
Prints charming: patterned trousers for summer

Prints charming

Patterned trousers for summer
Promethipedia: the lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus

Promethipedia

The lowdown on Ridley Scott's new blockbuster Prometheus
The Middletan: Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London

The Middletan

Kate Middleton has the most requested tan in London
Amy Childs bares all like Britney

Dare to bare

Amy Childs vajazzles like Britney
Thais go Gaga: singer’s ‘fake rolex’ tweet sparks new tour row... but fans still mob her at airport

Thais go Gaga

Singer mobbed at airport
Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon

Fashion

Trip the bright fantastic - in vertiginous neon
Chelsea Champions League celebrations - in pictures

Victory parade

Chelsea Champions League celebrations
High-flying heroes

High flying heroes

David Oyelowo reveals all about new film Red Tails
The Twitter Diaries: Think Bridget Jones tries social networking

The Twitter Diaries

Think Bridget Jones tries social networking