Manchester United are planning a £6 million bid for Sporting Lisbon midfield schemer Miguel Veloso.
And Fergie is ready to move in the January transfer window after being alerted to rival interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.
Veloso has made it clear he wants to move to England where his good friends and ex-Sporting stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani are already playing at Old Trafford.
Veloso shone during Sporting's Champions League triumph over Inter Milan last season, when he put the shackles on Patrick Vieira and Portugal hero Luis Figo.
He captained Portugal in the recent UEFA Under-21 championships.