Football Spy: Fergie fund for Owen is boosted by Kleb's exit.

SIR ALEX FERGUSON is set to boost his Manchester United transfer kitty by another pounds 2.5m today by ditching Brazilian flop Kleberson.

Turkish giants Besiktas have agreed a deal with United for the World Cup winning midfielder, who cost pounds 5.93m from Atletico Paranaense two years ago.

And the cash will now give Ferguson the funds to make a move for Real Madrid outcast Michael Owen if his striker problems deepen.

Kleberson, whose stint at Old Trafford has been dogged by injury and poor form, played a key role in Brazil's World Cup triumph in 2002.

But he failed to justify his hefty price tag at United and proved no more than a fringe player, even when fit.

Flag-waving Besiktas fans met a smiling Kleberson at Istanbul airport yesterday afternoon, before the 26-year-old underwent his medical. Old Trafford boss Ferguson has now raked in pounds 6m in recent days by off-loading Kleberson and England midfielder Phil Neville to Everton.

United remain one of a clutch of Premiership clubs weighing up a pounds 15m move for England striker Owen.

But Fergie is ready to wait on the match fitness of fit-again striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before making a move.

Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand has admitted United enter the new campaign with plenty to prove after finishing last season empty-handed.

"Any season without a trophy is a bad one,'' he said. "We want to be in contention for every tournament we enter.

"We want to uphold the proud traditions of this club, which is about winning trophies.

"Now it is down to the players to prove to the manager, the coaches and fans that we are good enough.''