Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson faces bringing forward plans to sign Everton defender Jack Rodwell.

The Manchester Evening News says the United manager is a long-term admirer of the England under-21 international but would have preferred to hold off making a move until at least the end of the season.

But with Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti likely to spend heavily in January - with the threat of a FIFA transfer ban hanging over Stamford Bridge - Ferguson could be forced to move sooner than he would have liked.

Rodwell is his primary domestic target - and he hopes the stylish midfielder will be tempted to follow in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney by swapping Goodison Park for Old Trafford.

Everton know they are in a strong position with the 18-year-old having signed a new five-year contract in February - but they will find it difficult to reject any offer in the region of £20m.

City are also keeping a close eye on the teenager's situation and would love to get one over their Old Trafford rivals, with whom they are increasingly going head-to-head in the transfer market.