ALEX FERGUSON HAS shot down reports that Manchester United are planning an audacious January swoop for Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.
Speculation about Ferguson’s possible transfer targets has increased following United’s Premier League defeats against Blackburn and Newcastle, and Lampard last night became the latest star to be linked with a big money move to Old Trafford.
Lampard, 33, has struggled to hold down a place in the Chelsea midfield under new boss Andre Villas-Boas, sparking rumours that the England international may soon be surplus to requirements.
But speaking at a press conference this morning, Ferguson rubbished reports that he will try to snap up Lampard to bolster his squad.
“Do you really think Chelsea would sell to United in January?” Ferguson told ManUtd.com.
There’s no foundation in that. Chelsea want to do something in the second half of the season so they want to keep their best players.
Ferguson also appeared to rule out any transfer activity this month, insisting that he would not be pressured into a panic buy even if the club’s owners, the Glazer family, have sanctioned funds for new signings as reported by the Telegraph this morning.
“What can you get in January?” asked Ferguson. ”The players we’d like, we can’t get. If the alternative is to sign a second-rate player, we don’t want to do that.
“Our injuries have led to fans wanting us to sign someone but I don’t want to sign a player who won’t get a game when everyone’s fit because he’s not good enough.”
