By Chris O'Brien
October 2 2006

Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be lining up a £12million swoop for Daniele De Rossi. The Roma midfielder lifted the World Cup with the Italian national team over the summer, and could now be set for a move to Old Trafford.

Speculation suggests that Sir Alex Ferguson is lining up a £12million January bid for Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi.

The United boss was left frustrated after failing to land Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves over the summer and, despite the £18.6million coup of Michael Carrick, is keen to add extra midfield options to his star-studded squad.

The 23-year-old was apart of the Italy squad that lifted the World Cup in July, having progressed through Roma's youth academy under the guidance of his father and team coach Alberto. He is now regarded as one of the club's strongest talents, but the Serie A club may struggle to turn down a bid in the region of £12million from Old Trafford as the Red Devils look to wrestle the Premiership crown from Chelsea.