Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing a big money deal to secure the signature of AZ Alkmaar’s Rasmus Elm as his lack of midfielders is becoming a big issue according to the Daily Star.

The Swedish international caught Ferguson’s eye while playing for his country against England at Wembley earlier this month and a January move could now be on the cards.

With Anderson and Tom Cleverley on the sidelines and Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick struggling for form with Antonio Valencia on the comeback from a summer injury, strength in depth is becoming an issue for United who are trailing their rivals City by five points in the title race.

23-year-old Elm wants the chance to prove his worth in a top league in Europe and the Premier League would no doubt be suited to his neat passing style that Fabio Capello’s England found difficult to deal with at Wembley.

Elm is also becoming prolific in front of goal in Holland and goalscoring midfielders are hard to come by in the Premier League. An £18million bid could be sufficient for the Swedes dream move.

Wesley Sneijder was Sir Alex’s number one transfer target to replace the retired Paul Scholes in the summer, but a £40million value has proved difficult to negotiate on and Elm may be a more realistic target.

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