MANCHESTER UNITED last night lodged a formal bid of £3.5 million for Karel Poborski, the Czech Republic's gifted playmaker.

At present Poborsky (24) plays for Slavia Prague, but even before the European Championship he had announced his intention of moving abroad.

Although it had been anticipated that he would move to either Italy or Germany, Poborski is believed to be keen to join one of England's leading clubs.

United manager Alex Ferguson has been searching for a right side midfielder since sanctioning the sale of Andrei Kanchelskis to Everton 12 months ago.

Liverpool had also expressed an interest in Poborski but abandoned their attempt to arrange a deal when the player's asking price rose from £2 million to over £3 million within a few days.

Liverpool have also dropped their interest in Switzerland's 19 year old midfielder Johann Vogel after learning that he will shortly enter the army to complete a period of national service.

. George Graham yesterday began the search for a high profile managerial appointment.

The former Arsenal manager's one year FA worldwide ban for illegally cashing in on the deals which took Danish international John Jensen and Norwegian Pal Lydersen to Arsenal ended at midnight on Sunday.

Graham (51) said: "I don't mind where I go so long as the challenge is appealing. I need it after recharging the batteries."