Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is eyeing a shock move for Blackpool winger Thomas Ince. The Daily Star Sunday says United are at the front of the queue and could make a move in the January transfer window if ­Blackpool are outside the play-off spots.

Ince, 20, signed for Liverpool as a youth player in 2008 and made his first-team debut two years ago before being shipped out on loan to Notts County.

The forward, who has already bagged six goals this season, signed a two-year contract with Blackpool last August with an agreement that the deal could be extended for a third year.

And even though his dad, United legend Paul is happy for his son to continue building his reputation by the seaside, he would be equally delighted if a move to his former home Old Trafford materialised next year.