Mesut Ozil is back on Manchester United’s radar after reports the playmaker is considering his future at Real Madrid.
The German international, 24, joined Real from Werder Bremen in a blaze of glory two years ago.
But he is no longer a first choice under Jose Mourinho following the arrival of Luka Modric and sources insist he is growing increasingly unhappy.
United chief Alex Ferguson has asked to be kept informed of any developments and would be at the front of the queue if Real decide to sell.
Missing Fergie is hunting a successor to 38-year-old Paul Scholes, who looks set to retire for the second time at the end of the season.
If Real do choose to offload Ozil, the Spaniards would want double the £12million they paid Bremen.
But United still have money to spend after missing out on Eden Hazard and Lucas Moura in the summer.
Ozil earns £110,000 a week at the Bernabeu, which fits comfortably into the Old Trafford pay structure, as does his age in terms of sell-on value.