Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson refuses to give up on landing Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill.

The Mail on Sunday says United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is planning a late shock bid to sign Cahill, despite Chelsea's continuing efforts to sign him.

The Blues looked certain to capture the England's international's signature, but the move has hit a number of snags and Sir Alex is planning a late swoop.

United's squad has been severely depleted this season through a number of injuries. Captain Nemanja Vidic is out for the season and Cahill could easily slot in alongside Rio Ferdinand.

Fergie has stated the club will not be signing anyone in the coming transfer window, but with the injuries mounting up and Cahill's £120,000-a-week wage demands holding up his move to Stamford Bridge, he could be tempted into making a move.