Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is planning an £18 million bid for Wigan Athletic midfielder Wilson Palacios.

The Sun says the champions could nab the midfielder as early as January, although the deal is more likely to happen at the end of the season.

A close pal of Palacios said: "You know the rapport between Steve Bruce and Alex Ferguson. They're very close.

"United have been following Wilson closely for some time. Steve benefited from his rapport with Sir Alex and was able to keep Wilson for six months or a year more.

"Nothing is signed but there's a moral agreement. Wigan have set the bar high, £18m. It's possible it could be done in January."