Olympique Marseille winger Hatem Ben Arfa is a £5 million target for Manchester United.
The News of the World says according to sources in France, contact has been made between the clubs over the availability of Ben Arfa, 22, who has struggled to gain a regular place in Marseille's first team.
Ben Arfa would be the kind of value-for-money signing Fergie is seeking in an inflated transfer market.
The player's agent Jean-Jacques Bertrand said: "For now, we have not established contact with any club. But do not rule out a move. Maybe OM have had contact with interested clubs."
United have been delighted with the successful capture of Bordeaux youngster Gabriel Obertan and think Ben Arfa could be just as effective.