Leeds United striker Mark Viduka is the latest player to be linked with a move to Manchester United when the transfer window reopens in January.
According to the Mirror newspaper, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have already made contract with the ailing Elland Road club about the Australian international and will make a £5m bid when the transfer window opens in January.
Viduka is the highest earner at the cash-strappped club and that combined with some indifferent performances this season, will tempt Leeds to sell.
United are desperate to sign a striker as cover for Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who in the absence through injury of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, continues to shoulder the burden for United up front. Diego Forlan, until this season regarded a fringe player at Old Trafford, has provided able back-up for Van Nistelrooy, but Ferguson remains eager to add another striker to the squad.
Among those linked with a move to United include West Ham’s Jermaine Defoe and Manchester City’s Nicolas Anelka.
“We would want someone who could play in Europe and they are not always available,’ admitted Ferguson.
“If we want someone, we will try our best to get them but it seems very unlikely we would go after anyone who couldn’t play in Europe.”