Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to send a number of his young players away on-loan next season.

The Manchester Evening News says striker Danny Welbeck will head the procession set to go out on loan.

Fergie's son Darren, boss at Preston, wants to take the 19-year-old to Deepdale where he had a brief loan spell last season before having to return to Old Trafford.

But the Reds want Welbeck to get top-flight regular senior football under his belt.

Sengalese striker Mame Biram Diouf is being considered for action elsewhere with Bolton and Birmingham both keen on the 22-year-old.

Ritchie de Laet is being monitored by a number of clubs while Newcastle are interested in midfielder Tom Cleverley.