Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants to sign Frank Lampard - 12 months after rejecting the chance of taking him off Chelsea's hands. The Telegraph says Ferguson rejected the chance to sign Lampard last January after being sounded out about the possibility of taking the 34 year-old to Old Trafford.

But now the prospect of signing him on a free transfer at the end of this season has prompted the United manager to identify the England international as a potential target to bolster his midfield options.

Ferguson has always rated Lampard and failed in an attempt to hijack Chelsea's £11 million deal with West Ham United in 2001.

The move was ruled out by Ferguson 12 months ago due to the costs involved of paying a fee to Chelsea and also matching Lampard's £150,000-a-week wages.

It is understood that the prospect of playing for United would greatly appeal to Lampard.