Sir Alex Ferguson will hold a summit meeting with Gabriel Heinze, his unsettled defender, on Monday - but his resolve not to sell the Manchester United defender to Liverpool remains unbreakable.

Even though Liverpool have matched United’s £6.8 million asking price for the 29-year-old defender, the Red Devils are refusing to sell. Ferguson, backed by chief executive David Gill is adamant United will not do business with any of their major domestic rivals, leaving Heinze to ponder taking legal action against his own club in a bid to force through a controversial move down the East Lancs Road.

A suggestion has been put forward for the Premier League to mediate in the matter, which could end up with Heinze becoming the first player since Phil Chisnall in 1964 to switch from United to Liverpool.

However, Ferguson does not believe any third-party involvement will affect the Old Trafford club’s position. “That will take years,” laughed the Scot, when informed the Premier League may trigger negotiations.

“There is no update on Gaby’s position. He is due back to training next Monday and once we have a meeting with him, his position may become a little clearer. As far as the Premier League is concerned, they can do what they like. We are quite confident in our position.”

Ferguson confirmed there had been a few inquiries regarding Alan Smith, whose future at Old Trafford appears increasingly uncertain.

Newcastle and Middlesbrough are both thought to have had bids accepted for the England striker, while Everton would be interested if they could offload James Beattie.

However, Smith was training as normal at Carrington this morning, with Ferguson stating no deal was imminent. “It is a bit open,” he said. “There have been a few inquiries and we know Alan wants first-team football but nothing has been decided.”

Meanwhile, Ferguson has confirmed injured trio Gary Neville, Louis Saha and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will all miss Sunday’s Community Shield showdown with Chelsea at Wembley.

The players were absent from United’s pre-season tour - Neville with an ankle injury, Saha and Solskjaer because of knee problems. Ferguson expressed the hope in the Far East that all three might be available this week. However, not only will they sit out tomorrow’s Old Trafford friendly with Inter Milan, the Serie A title-winners, they will also miss the Chelsea game and, possibly, the Barclays Premier League opener with Reading on August 12 as well.

“Those lads are still not ready,” said Ferguson. “I think we are looking at a couple of weeks for the three of them.”

New signing Nani is also doubtful for tomorrow’s encounter, while Ferguson expects fellow summer buys Owen Hargreaves and Anderson to feature against either Doncaster on Friday or Peterborough 24 hours later.