Manchester United could launch a bid for Bayern Munich full-back
Philipp Lahm next month on the back of record profits for the
club.
The newspaper claims that Ferguson sees the versatile defender as a
key reinforcement to boost his team's bid to retain the Premier
League title this season.
One stumbling block - assuming the Glazers are prepared to stump up
the cash - could be strained relations between United and Lamm's
club Bayern Munich.
The Bavarian giants became irritated by the long drawn out
targeting and snaring of midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who left
Bayern for Manchester in the summer.
However, 24-year-old Lamm is said to be highly-regarded by
Ferguson, not least because he is comfortable playing on either
flank. He could therefore provide cover for Patrice Evra on the
left while settling in as the eventual succesor to Gary Neville on
the right.
Wes Brown, currently filling in for the injured Nevile at
right-back, may not be at Old Trafford gor much longer after
failing to agree a new contract.
There were reports in France on Monday that Bayern's other
full-back, Willy Sagnol, was United's main target, but The Times
insists it's Lamm who interests Ferguson.
They also suggest that Branislav Ivanovic of Lokomotiv Moscow is on
Ferguson's radar.
United will be in a position to finance transfer spending if they
so wish. They are preparing to announce record turnover for the
financial year ending June 30th. Chief executive David Gill
predicted this year that United would achieve dramatic growth,
and the club are expected to announce record revenue of more than
£200 million and profits of at least £60 million.
The Glazers are reaping substantial increases in the clubs
match-day and commercial revenue.
United are moving towards an ambitious profits target of £108.9
million by 2011.
