Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to bring forward plans to sign Everton defender Jack Rodwell.

The News of the World says Fergie's plan is for the Everton defender-cum-midfielder to join next summer's recruit Chris Smalling in the United back line in years to come.

The United boss pipped Arsenal in the hunt for Fulham starlet Smalling, 20.

Now he wants to get the ball rolling on a summer deal for 19-year-old Rodwell.

United value their man at £12million and with relations between Everton and the Reds still frosty over Wayne Rooney's 2005 switch, Ferguson is determined to get talks under way early and amicably.

The manager is doing everything he can to maintain his tried and trusted partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic and, despite injury worries and rumours of unrest, is confident of them being in place for seasons to come.

But he sees a Smalling- Rodwell partnership as their long-term successors.

However, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also wants Rodwell. And he will be even more determined to get him after Smalling slipped through his grasp.