EXCLUSIVE: Fergie wants Lampard... and Chelsea legend is ready to talk to United
By Ian Ladyman for the Daily Mail
Sir Alex Ferguson is considering a sensational move for unsettled Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.
Sportsmail understands Lampard would not be averse to a switch to Old Trafford.
With United struggling for numbers in midfield and desperate to make sure Sunday's FA Cup opponents Manchester City do not leave them behind at the top of the Barclays Premier League, manager Ferguson is weighing up an offer for a player he has always admired.
True blue: But will Frank Lampard soon be wearing the red of Manchester United?
With Lampard now 33, the United board would have to be persuaded to sanction a deal for a player who earns in excess of £140,000 a week and would have no sell-on value for a club still struggling under the weight of the Glazer debt.
United would also face a battle to persuade Chelsea to sell to a major rival.
However, Ferguson believes that Lampard represents a unique opportunity to add something significant to his squad and was delighted to this week hear of suggestions that the former West Ham midfielder would consider a move north to Manchester.
Dejected: United look to need reinforcements after defeat at Newcastle
Lampard has only 18 months left on his current deal and does not enjoy a particularly healthy relationship with Stamford Bridge boss Andre Villas-Boas.
It is understood that Lampard is looking to move away from Chelsea this summer and would ideally like to stay in the Premier League.
The transfer fee would be minimal, given his contractual situation and that he has given Chelsea 10 years of service.
Ferguson considered joining the bidding for Lampard when he joined Chelsea from West Ham for £11million in 2001.
Still got it: Lampard has been in and out of the Chelsea team this season under Andre Villas-Boas but grabbed a crucial winner at Wolves on Monday
Subsequently he has made no secret of his admiration for him, saying in one interview in 2005: 'Lampard is quite an interesting case. He is an exceptional individual.'
While Lampard could not be relied upon to play every game, he would bring something different to the dressing room.
Most watched Sport videos
- Golfers take shelter from tornado after cart flips while fleeing
- Pep Guardiola: 'I'm tired and relaxed' after 2-0 win against Tottenham
- Aaron Rodgers reveals his SHOCK reply to RFK. Jr asking forVP
- Chiefs kicker urges men to 'fight against emasculation' at graduation
- Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley address future of 'Inside the NBA'
- Moment Harrison Butker quotes Taylor Swift in controversial speech
- Fury and Usyk make their arrivals in Riyadh
- Watch the full controversial speech from Chiefs star Harrison Butker
- Tyson Fury prepares for heavyweight fight against Usyk in Riyadh
- 'Complex performance': Leeds United praises team after Norwich win
- Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou speaks after 0-2 loss to Man City
- Rory McIlroy practices ahead of PGA championship amid divorce