Ferguson realistic over agents controls

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson doubts whether Gary Neville will ever get his wish for even greater transparency with agents' fees.

Last weekend, Neville wrote a thought-provoking column in which he condemned the practice of agents "hanging round youth games" in order to gain influence on them. One of the ways of averting such a situation, reasoned Neville, was to publish the salaries of players, plus details of what specific commission was paid to whom, and for what, in every deal.

Ferguson can see the reasoning behind Neville's call but does not think it is particularly likely, and said: "I don't know how you could apply that."

He added: "I don't see it doing any harm of course. It may highlight to the paying public how ridiculous it can be for some agents to make the money they do.

"But I don't think that will ever change. Once there is a transfer window people will make money.

"Agents are not going to go away. We would all like to see it but it won't happen."