Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is eager to secure Paul Pogba to a new contract.

The Manchester Evening News says the highly-rated French midfielder is seen as the future at Old Trafford after making such an impressive impact with the academy and the reserves.

The 18-year-old is considered one of the hottest properties in Europe, with a host of the continent's top clubs ready to swoop if he becomes available.

Italian giants, Inter and AC Milan have already been linked with a move for Pogba, while Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was keen on him before United signed him from Le Havre in 2009.

Ferguson has sought to secure the futures of several of his current starlets, handing new deals to Javier Hernandez, Tom Cleverley and Chris Smalling in recent months.

And the United manager has already stated his desire to keep hold of a player who has been likened to Patrick Vieira as a midfield enforcer.