Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been told he can spend big in this month's transfer market. The Telegraph says Ferguson has been told that money is available, despite the ongoing delay in plans by the Glazer family to raise £600 million from a partial flotation of the club on the Singapore Stock Exchange.

But despite being given the go-ahead by the Glazers to recruit this month, Ferguson's position remains unchanged in that he will only add to his squad if he feels any potential signing can benefit the team in the long term, rather than arrive as a short-term fix with little prospect of improving the squad beyond the current injury crisis.

While United's finances continue to be weighed down by the club's debt, which stands at £433 million, it is understood there is no restriction on incomings this month.