United's transfer cash waits for Juventus appeal verdict

LONDON, July 18 (Reuters) Manchester United's interest in the transfer market is on hold pending the outcome of Juventus's appeal against demotion in Italy's match-fixing scandal, manager Alex Ferguson said.

''We're working on several things and talking to several clubs.

We have made several enquiries for several players but we have held certain things back because of the Juventus situation,'' he was quoted as saying today.

''I think everybody will be looking at all the Juventus players.

(Patrick) Vieira, Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Lilian Thuram and Emerson are the ones that people will be focusing on,'' he told United's official web site during the team's tour of South Africa.

''Now we know where we're going in terms of making inquiries and maybe definite offers for one or two players,'' added Ferguson, who is looking to win the Premier League for the first time since 2003.

Juventus were relegated on Friday for their part in match-fixing. They are appealing against the verdict. If their relegation stands, they face the decimation of one of the world's most expensive squads.

REUTERS DH PM1750