Manchester United are ready to use Louis Saha as bait to land Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz.

The News of the World says United boss Sir Alex Ferguson sees Santa Cruz as the striker who can offer him the target-man alternative to his array of attacking talent.

And United will throw in Frenchman Saha, whose injury problems have prevented him from making his mark at Old Trafford. The 29-year-old will be the makeweight in a £10million transfer.

United will offer Santa Cruz a bumper £75,000 a week contract - plus bonuses - to take him to Old Trafford.