THE date has been set.

Monday, 6 Aug promises to be the D-day in the Manchester United career of Gabriel Heinze.

The Argentina defender has taken the extraordinary step of seeking legal advice to see whether he has grounds for pursuing a complaint against his club over their refusal to sell him to Liverpool.

Heinze's action is staggering and will almost certainly signal the death knell on his time at Old Trafford.

Yet Sir Alex Ferguson has made it perfectly clear not only does he believe United have legal right on their side, he expects Heinze to honour his contract and turn up for training as planned.

'He is due back in training on 6 Aug, which gives him three clear weeks' rest after the Copa America. And we expect him back,' said the United boss.

The deadline effectively gives Heinze's lawyers a week to find out if the former Paris St Germain defender has a case, which revolves around whether a letter, signed by chief executive David Gill, confirming the financial figure United would be prepared to sell Heinze for, overrides the player's contract, which still has two years to run.

Gill claims he informed Heinze's agent verbally, prior to Liverpool revealing their interest, that United would not be prepared to sell him to any of their three major domestic rivals - a discussion which is thought was recorded and could, therefore, in theory, be used as part of any defence the Red Devils may wish to put forward in court.

Heinze has been the subject of interest from overseas, with Real Madrid and Inter Milan among the clubs to express an interest.

IRRESISTABLE

But the huge Spanish-speaking influence at Liverpool, plus an opportunity to remain in the north-west, appears to have an irresistible lure for the player.

And, after pinning much of the blame for the present situation on Heinze's agents, Ferguson must now accept the defender is also a prime mover.

'We are aware Gaby is taking legal advice,' confirmed the United boss.

'That is good. I hope it is good advice because we are confident of our position.'

- PA Sport.

STANLEY HO: His club has stood by him throughout his lengthy injury spell. His boss has kept faith with him despite some rocky performances. And yet Heinze wants to take Man U to court.

Let Heinze go, Fergie. Old Trafford has no place for ingrates.

TEVEZ DEAL SOON

AGENT Kia Joorabchian believes Carlos Tevez's future could be resolved as early as next week.

The Argentina forward (right)'s protracted move to Manchester United from West Ham had seemed unlikely to be completed before the start of the Premier League season, after Joorabchian issued High Court proceedings against the London club in a bid to resolve the thorny issue of the player's ownership.

However, according to the Daily Star, an out-of-court settlement could be reached soon.

'There is a possibility it may get resolved next week,' said Joorabchian.

- PA Sport.

STANLEY HO: The equation is simple: The Red Devils get their man, while agent Joorabchian and West Ham pocket some money. A win-win situation.

REAL TEMPTED BY BALLACK MOVE

REAL Madrid coach Bernd Schuster has hinted he could make a surprise bid for Germany captain Michael Ballack.

Speaking to Germany's ARD television from Real's training camp in Austria, Schuster says he 'could well imagine having him in my team'.

'I think his qualities would be a perfect fit at Real Madrid,' said the German coach.

Ballack (right), 30, only joined Chelsea from Bayern Munich last summer, but his first season in England was tainted by regular criticism.

'I thought about Michael before he went to Chelsea,' added Schuster.

'He was linked with Real back then, when it was clear Zinedine Zidane was leaving.

'He would be the link between midfield and attack and would really be perfect.' - PA Sport.

STANLEY HO: Ballack wasn't a big hit at Stamford Bridge last season, and he was no blue-eyed boy of Jose Mourinho too.

Chelsea should just cash in now and make a huge profit from a player whom they signed on a free transfer last year.

SANTA CRUZ SEALS ROVERS SWITCH

BLACKBURN Rovers have signed Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz from Bayern Munich for a reported ?3.5 million ($10.5m).

The 25-year-old has agreed a four-year contract at Ewood Park after spending eight years with the Bundesliga club.

Bayern have allowed Santa Cruz (right) to leave following the arrivals of Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose, with coach Ottmar Hitzfeld recently confirming he was looking to sell the South American.

Said Rovers boss Mark Hughes: 'Santa Cruz is a young player, an international with a good reputation who is playing at a top European club.' - PA Sport.

STANLEY HO: With Santa Cruz on board, Blackburn now boast five top strikers, with Benni McCarthy, Jason Roberts, Matt Derbyshire and new recruit Maceo Rigters all vying for a first-team place with the Paraguayan forward. It sure is crowded at Ewood Park.

BORO SEEK SMITH TALKS

MIDDLESBROUGH will step up their efforts to sign Manchester United striker Alan Smith over the next few days.

Both United and Smith's agent have denied that Boro have been given permission to speak to Smith, with Red Devils chief executive David Gill insisting that 'no firm offers' had been made for the former Leeds striker.

However, Boro chief executive Keith Lamb is hopeful of pushing through a deal.

'Our position hasn't changed,' said Lamb. 'If you go back a few weeks, it was well documented that we had agreed a fee with Manchester United for his transfer and were given permission to talk to Alan Smith (right).

'Unfortunately, Alan was away so we haven't had the opportunity to speak to him. But I'm sure that he is well aware of our interest and in the next few days, the opportunity to speak to Alan will present itself.

'And if it's right for Alan and if it's right for Middlesbrough, then I'm sure that it's something that we might well conclude.'

Smith, 26, faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford, with first-team chances appearing limited, especially if Sir Alex Ferguson can tie up the complex transfer of Carlos Tevez from West Ham. -- PA Sport.

STANLEY HO: It appears Sir Alex is delaying Smith's exit, pending Carlos Tevez's possible arrival at Old Trafford.

The wily Scot will not want to be caught in a situation where he is one forward short when the new season kicks off in two weeks.