Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is watching FC Nordsjaelland defender Jores Okore.

The People says Fergie does not like ­doing business in the mid-­season ­window but has told scouts and contacts that he wants a central defender because of fears over Nemanja Vidic's fitness and Rio Ferdinand's long-term future.

And Nordsjaelland star Okore, 20, is high on his list of targets after impressing in his club's Champions League ­campaign, despite some heavy defeats.

Okore is regarded as one of Europe's best emerging centre-backs and has recently broken into the Danish national team.

Born in the Ivory Coast but raised in Denmark, Okore has won rave reviews for his ­muscular style of play as well as his composure on the ball.

Okore is in the same mould as United skipper Vidic, who has made only 10 Premier League appearances in the last 19 months because of injuries.