Gill: Targets identified

David Gill admits he is still recovering from the devastating blow in the title race but has stressed that moves are already afoot to bring in new players during the summer. The chief executive has confirmed there is cash for Sir Alex Ferguson to spend to improve his squad and targets have already been identified. “It turned into a very difficult afternoon but that’s football for you,” said Gill, recalling Sunday's events. “We’ve had a great season, got 89 points and the title has never been decided on goal difference before. All the players and staff can be very proud of what they’ve achieved. “I do think everyone at the club, from Alex down, agree we underperformed in Europe this year. We felt confident of getting out of our Champions League group and the Europa League was new for us and took some getting used to. But it demonstrates the high standards set for this club. “The very fact we finished second and no team has come second with 89 points means we’ve got a lot to be proud of. We’ve got to move on and I’m sure we’ll come back fighting next year.” When discussing moves on the transfer front, the chief executive is awaiting developments over the course of the summer. “The manager, Jim Lawlor and the scouting team, everyone is looking at it and discuss it throughout the period,” he explained. “Obviously, the work intensifies now in terms of actually doing deals and we’ve identified players so let’s see what happens. “It’s a 365-day-a-year job that talent is always on our radar but the paperwork is done in the close season and transfer window – we can sort out the deals beforehand and get them moving.” In terms of competition from Manchester City at the head of the market, he replied: “We have to sell what this club is about. We still pay very well in terms of transfer fees and wages. City have raised the bar again and we’ve seen what they’re prepared to pay for players and to players but we’ll see what’s happening with the financial fair play and how that’s implemented and what the sanctions are going to be. “It’s interesting. We should recognise we’re a very successful club, one of the top three in terms of turnover in world football and it generates a lot of cash to invest in players. We will continue to do so and our style is both buying players and giving youth a chance. “Without doubt [there is money to spend]. We recognise we spent quite a bit of money last summer when we bought Phil Jones, David De Gea and Ashley Young and we understand that. I think we’ll be looking in the next few months and there could be some interesting developments. “Come August, we’ll have got new players, had the Euros, the players will be back, we will have been on tour and start again. That’s the beauty of football. Everyone starts on zero points and we’ve got to step up to the mark and do well.”