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Anderson trapped in red tape

UNITED will compile a team of experts to argue the Reds' case in their bid to gain a work permit for Brazilian Anderson.

The club are expecting a red-tape battle to secure the services of the 19-year-old.

The immigration department at the Home Office are set to reject United's first official application for a permit to allow Anderson to move to England from Porto.

The Reds agreed last week a move in principle for the midfielder at a cost of £17m.

However, the transfer will be conditional on the South American teenager successfully getting a work permit.

The first application will almost certainly be rejected, as Anderson does not meet the criteria set by the Home Office.

Imports into the Premier League have to have played in 75 per cent of their country's international matches over the last two years.

Debut

Anderson, however, has not even made his full international debut for Brazil.

He is in World Cup-winning Brazilian Dunga's squad for the Copa America that begins this month in Venezuela but that will cut no ice officially with the bureaucrats.

United, though, will be allowed to appeal and club lawyers and witnesses will then be allowed to present Old Trafford's case.

United have had previous experience of the process when they signed Korean Ji-sung Park from PSV Eindhoven.

The Reds called on the then PSV coach Guus Hiddink to help argue Park's case.

The Dutchman's input in explaining how Park would enhance the quality of the Premier League helped the permit to be granted.

United are most likely to send Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant Carlos Queiroz to help put forward the argument for Anderson but may also call Porto coach Jesualdo Ferreira. to present Anderson's qualities.