Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson won't stand by in January should an opportunity crop up.

The Manchester Evening News says Ferguson is on stand-by to hit the January sales - despite declaring his current squad the best he has ever had.

The United manager would prefer to wait until the end of the season to make any major signings - with Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski high on his wanted list and Theo Walcott another target.

But he is aware that he could be forced into action sooner than expected if Arsenal decide to cash in on Walcott during the January window.

He will also be sorely tempted to move for Everton's Leighton Baines if David Moyes uses the £15m-rated England full back to raise transfer funds next month... although Ashley Cole could also be on Fergie's radar as an alternative option if Chelsea don't have a rethink over the England ace's long-term future.