The England midfielder has had a transfer request accepted by the Old Trafford supremo but after a man-of-the-match performance in Sundays FA Cup 4th round win at Northampton, in which Butt was made United captain for the day, Ferguson said he would be happy to see Butt stay with the Red Devils. "I know he is frustrated and I know it is difficult for him because he has the European Championships coming up for England in the summer," the United boss told MUTV. "I understand all these things but it will still be disappointing if he does go."
Blues are reported to have held talks with United chiefs about a possible £5 million deal to bring Butt to St. Andrews but they only have until this saturday, 31st January (when the transfer window closes) to try and lure the player away from Old Trafford.