Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to make an offer for Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra.

The Mail on Sunday says Ferguson's interest will put him in direct competition with his Manchester City counterpart Mark Hughes, who also has the France player on his January shopping list.

Tottenham's Harry Redknapp would also like Diarra but is unlikely to be able to afford him.

Ferguson has been a long-time admirer of FA Cup winner Diarra. Although the United boss usually prefers to do his major transfer business in the summer, the prospect of playing most of the season without Owen Hargreaves has prompted him to ask the board if he can spend in January.