Miller on the way out

Soccer Shorts: Manchester United are ready to listen to offers for midfielder Liam Miller.

Miller (25) has struggled to live up to the reputation he arrived with when he moved to Old Trafford from Celtic in the summer of 2004.

The Republic of Ireland international has made just 22 first-team appearances and spent the latter half of last season on loan at Leeds.

United boss Alex Ferguson is keen to get a deal sorted out before the transfer window closes in August.

Despite the absence of a large number of senior players, the 25-year-old Corkman was only a substitute in the opening game of United's South African tour against the Orlando Pirates in Durban yesterday

Leeds' defeat by Watford in the Championship play-off final at the end of last season effectively scuppered any chance of a permanent move to Elland Road.

Ruud wants Madrid

Ruud van Nistelrooy has set his sights on a move to Real Madrid, according to the Manchester United striker's agent.

The 30-year-old Dutch international has handed in a transfer request at Old Trafford, with Real, Bayern Munich and another unnamed club chasing his signature.

"We know Madrid want him and he wants to play there," Rodger Linse told Marca newspaper. "Madrid is a dream for any footballer, including Ruud."

Real are thought to have offered £8 million but the asking price is at least £10 million.

Alex Ferguson has reportedly targeted Fernando Torres of Atletico Madrid as the man to replace van Nistelrooy, once the Dutchman completes his move to Madrid.

Ronaldo out for month

Real Madrid striker Ronaldo will be sidelined for a month after undergoing an operation on his left shin in Rio de Janeiro.

The 29-year-old Brazilian forward was accompanied by doctors from both his club and country. Brazilian national team doctor Jose Luiz Runco said: "He could start to train with the ball in four weeks. We must hope that the wound heals."

Spurs chase Nedved

Tottenham have offered Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved the chance to end his career at White Hart Lane, according to the player's agent.

The 33-year-old Czech Republic international is considering his future following Juventus's relegation to Serie B and Spurs boss Martin Jol has been quick to register his interest.

"Pavel has the potential to play in a top European league," agent Zdenek Nehoda said.

"Monaco, Tottenham and some clubs from United Arab Emirates and Qatar have come up with specific offers."

Huth still keen on Boro

Chelsea defender Robert Huth is refusing to give up hope of joining Middlesbrough.

The Germany international travelled to the Riverside on Monday for two days of medical tests to finally seal his £5 million switch. However, Middlesbrough announced they were pulling out of the deal last Tuesday, expressing concerns over an ankle injury.

Huth has since returned to Stamford Bridge but remains confident he can prove his fitness and seal a transfer to the North East.

"Robert still wants to go to Middlesbrough," agent Manfred Schulte said. "He was devastated when the deal was put on hold but he now hopes the problem will clear up and he can become a Middlesbrough player in the near future."

Rafa eyes Trezeguet

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is interested in the players affected by the match-fixing scandal in Italy, with David Trezeguet of Juventus among his targets.

"All the Juventus players are good, including Trezeguet," he said. "They will be a better price now than a few months ago.

"There are chances for loans. Trezeguet would be a good player for us."