The departure of van Nistelrooy for Real
Madrid has led to intense speculation about who should replace
him.
Ferguson has signalled his intention to push Alan Smith back into a
striker's role following the Yorkshireman's one-year experiment in
central midfield but it was still anticipated United would bring in
an extra forward to provide competition for Wayne Rooney and Louis
Saha.
Yet, in confirming an ongoing interest in Michael Carrick, Ferguson
rejected the idea he could try to poach two Tottenham players this
summer.
"There has not been any interest from us (in Defoe)," Ferguson told
MUTV.
"As far as the Tottenham situation is concerned, we made a move for
Michael Carrick - but that is all we did.
"He is the only Tottenham player we are interested in at the moment
and I think it will stay that way."
Instead, it appears Ferguson is ready to place his trust in rising
star Giuseppe Rossi to be United's fourth striker this term.
On the Red Devils' recent South Africa tour, Ferguson admitted he
wanted to let Rossi leave Old Trafford on loan for six months in an
effort to further his footballing education.
The teenager immediately claimed he wanted to stay at United and
try to force his way into the first-team on a regular basis.
Now, it appears he will get his wish.
"We want to see Giuseppe progress as a centre-forward and it is
looking more likely he will stay with us now."
While many United fans will be alarmed by Ferguson's decision,
believing it weakens the club's chances of catching Chelsea this
term, at least they will be appeased by the long-serving manager's
pursuit of a key central midfielder.
Although it was widely reported a deal with Carrick had been done,
neither Tottenham nor United were willing to confirm the
speculation.
Instead, Ferguson thinks the Old Trafford faithful may have to be
patient in their wait for new arrivals.
"We have targeted several players but in my experience, these
things take time," he said.
"We are not going to be stupid and just pay the price other clubs
wants.
"You have to negotiate and sometimes, you have to be patient and
wait for the moment when eventually, the two clubs agree."
Apart from Defoe, one man who will definitely not be arriving at
Old Trafford is AC Milan's Gennaro Gattuso.
Ferguson was ready to make a move for the former Rangers star if
Milan had suffered a similar penalty to Juventus in the Italian
match-fixing scandal.
However, by being allowed to remain in Serie A and, unless UEFA
decide otherwise, maintaining a place in this season's Champions
League qualifiers, Milan's bargaining position leaves Ferguson
acknowledging any bid for Gattuso would be useless.
"We were waiting to see what was going to happen with AC Milan,"
said the Scot.
"But they are still in the European Cup and Serie A, so there is
very little chance of progressing that one."
