Manchester United are considering a move for Roma defender Christian Panucci.

The Italian veteran has declared he wants to leave Roma this week after throwing a strop over being named on the bench for Sunday's victory against Napoli.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has concerns over his defence, which has been hit hard by injury and knows Panucci can play anywhere across the back four.

England boss Fabio Capello is a huge fan of Panucci's and is convinced even at the 35 he can fit seamlessly into the pace of the Premiership.

The stumbling block will be former Real Madrid and AC Milan defender Panucci's personal demands, with United unlikely to commit to a deal for longer than six months.