Jean Makoun is the latest player to be linked with a move to Man United.
Jean Makoun is the latest defensive midfielder to be linked with a move to Manchester United.
Sir Alex Ferguson's declaration that he wants to strengthen his squad in the New Year will spark fresh speculation regarding the identity of his chief targets, but much could depend on whether Lille progress from United's UEFA Champions League group.
Ferguson admits any team with aspirations of winning the European Cup will not want to lose their key players so Bayern Munich's Michael Ballack is highly unlikely to quit the Bundesliga champions before his contract expires next summer.
St Etienne's Didier Zokora and Deportivo La Coruna star Aldo Duscher are other names on the United manager's short-list but Makoun impressed against The Red Devils recently.
The Cameroon international has been watched by United spies since the goalless draw with Villarreal at Stade de France but Lille will resist any offers for the 22-year-old.
The African has only recently signed a contract extension that ties him to Les Dogues until 2010, and even a sizeable offer would not tempt his club to sell before the end of the season.
Reports from Spain have indicated that Duscher, meanwhile, is an ‚é¼8 million (£5.4 million) target for Ferguson although Depor want at least ‚é¼12 million (£8.1 million) for the Argentina international.
Newcastle United are also in the frame for the tough-tackling South American.
