Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is eyeing a shock move for Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton.
The Sunday Times says Ferguson is considering a stunning bid for the Scouser.
Barton is inside the final year of his Toon deal and is available for the right offer.
While Ferguson has been seeking a creative midfield signing this summer, he knows he also needs to add steel to his engineroom having failed to find cover for the released Owen Hargreaves.
Barton, while controversial, has proved himself among England's form midfielders in the last 12 months.
