Juan Sebastian Veron could be on his way back to Lazio if Manchester United agree to a swap deal for Argentina striker Hernan Crespo.
Crespo has been a prolific striker in Serie A during his time with Parma and Lazio. The 27-year-old has scored 101 goals in 170 appearances in Italy and was briefly the world's most expensive player two summers ago when Lazio paid £37m for him.
The United boss remains reluctant to try to sell midfielder Veron and still feels that the 27-year-old may yet prove himself to be worth the £28m paid to Lazio last summer.
However, if Lazio make a formal attempt to pull this deal off then Ferguson would be presented with a clear opportunity to solve two pressing problems in one go.
And some quotes:
Lazio spokesman Guido Paglia: "If Manchester contact us with a proposal to sell Crespo, we will start discussions. But we are waiting for news on Veron from his agent Gustavo Mascardi."
Crespo, obviously uncertain about his future:
"It would appeal to me to have a certainty that gives tranquility. Instead, I feel myself to still be in the balance.
"It will be like this until August 31, when the market is closed.
"I am a person who only believes when I touch the hand of truth. Therefore, I will still have a month not knowing what will be my destiny, like the rest of my team-mates.
"Until now, it has been a practically hard market but soon the great deals will arrive."
Meanwhile, claims that Veron needs an op appear to be hoax as Paddy Haverson said:
"Juan Sebastian Veron is in the squad to play Bournemouth and it is highly unlikely that we would risk him if he were facing an operation. There has been no talk at Manchester United of Seba facing an operation."