Ferguson is seeking to land a centre-forward before the summer market shuts next week and has revived his bid for Tottenham ace Dimitar Berbatov. However, with Spurs reluctant to sell, the prospect of bringing Brazilian ace Adriano to Old Trafford is gathering pace.

Real Madrid, which ironically have also been linked with Berbatov today, were locked in talks with Inter on Monday about Adriano's situation. Like Ferguson, Real coach Bernd Schuster wants a new striker signed before the transfer window closes and has been offered Adriano.

The former Parma star has dropped to fifth choice in the striker's pecking order at Inter, despite vowing to cut out the partying that plagued last season. Adriano is now considering his options after being left in the stands for Sunday's Super Cup defeat to Roma and Inter have intermediaries inviting interested clubs - including United and Real - to make them an offer before the deadline falls.