Sir Alex Ferguson has given his best indication to date that Alan Smith and Guiseppe Rossi could be heading out of the door at Manchester United.

The United boss is yet to make a final decision on either player, but admits that it will be difficult for them to have regular first-team football with the Premiership champions. The impending arrival of Carlos Tevez is set to end both player’s time at United.

Italian side Parma are interested in Rossi, while Middlesbrough are leading the chase for Smith.

“We have had offers for Giuseppe, which puts us in a bit of a situation, while the quandary with Alan surrounds his long-term future and getting regular games,” Ferguson said.

“There is no doubt Alan did fantastically well for us when he came back last season.

“He gave the team a spiritual lift and because he is such a fighter, he was an inspiration to us. But he is 26 now and he wants regular football.

“I have to look at Manchester United in terms of how do we improve to get better. And when someone like Tevez comes along, it makes it difficult for people like Alan and Giuseppe in particular.

“The most important thing is that they are our players and we can make decisions when we like.”