MANCHESTER UNITED will grace the County Ground stage in pre-season if Andy King can complete a deal to bring Sir Alex Ferguson's side to Wiltshire.

Whether the Old Trafford outfit would send David Beckham and company is unclear but such a fixture would provide Town fans with a chance to see Jimmy Davis in action again while whetting appetites for the 2003-4 campaign.

King revealed to the Evening Advertiser that he is also working hard to arrange friendlies with newly-promoted Portsmouth and First Division play-off hopefuls Wolverhampton Wanderers.

However, he has warned supporters not to take anything for granted.

He said: "All three clubs have expressed an interest in playing us but nothing is sorted by any means.

"However, I would hope to have things cleared up by the end of the week."

King was due at Fratton Park tonight to watch Town's reserves as well as trying to agree a date for any pre-season clash with Pompey.

Bolton youngster Michael Eckersley was likely to be the target of King's attention this evening.

He said: "I have seen the boy impress for Bolton reserves in a side with international players.

"He has pace and tenacity and that's what I will be looking for him to show against Portsmouth."

While Eckersley could be on his way in, it looks increasingly likely that Eric Sabin is heading out.

Sabin said: "If a contract is offered by QPR then I would be silly to turn it down.''

The Frenchman spent a second day training with the Loftus Road outfit yesterday and if terms can be agreed between club and agent, the 28-year-old will be soon be London-bound.

Sabin said: "The training session was tougher than I am used to but very enjoyable. The players at QPR all made me feel very welcome and I am impressed by what I have seen of the club.

"And the training session did give me the chance to ask Danny Shittu why he has kicked me so much in the games we have played against each other over the last couple of years.

"Maybe it would be good to be playing with him rather than running at him."

Sabin is desperately hoping to have some involvement in Town's final game against Luton but if Rangers continue to pursue their interest, a move to the capital looks inevitable.