Manchester United boss
Sir Alex Ferguson is planning a
shock move for Manchester City
midfielder Stephen Ireland.
The Sunday Mirror says Ireland has asked for a transfer
after a disappointing campaign under Mark
Hughes and Roberto
Mancini.
United have been monitoring the Irishman’s rise through the
ranks at Eastlands, but 12 months ago it was unthinkable that the
23-year-old midfielder who City fans call Superman would be allowed
to leave the club.
City are ready to allow Ireland to leave now they have recruited
David Silva, who is also being earmarked for a central role by
Mancini despite playing mostly as a winger for Valencia and Spain.
But the Blues will be loath to sell Ireland to their rivals –
unless United pay a premium on a player they would value at about
£12m if he was moving to any other club.
Liverpool and
Everton would both be interested
but are even more strapped for transfer cash than United.
