UNITED BACK IN FOR HARGREAVES

United last night stepped up their bid to finally land Owen Hargreaves. Old Trafford officials made fresh contact with Bayern Munich and are poised to confirm their £15million bid for the fit-again England midfielder.

SunSport revealed on New Year's Day the two clubs have already held meetings over a deal. And United's chief executive David Gill admitted: “I think we all know the area in which we want to strengthen.”

But Hargreaves, 25, looks likely to be the only transfer window addition to Alex Ferguson's squad.

Gill added:

“The money is there but traditionally we do most of our big spending in the summer and I think that will continue.

“Things may change. If there's an area in which we want to do something then we'll do it. But, at the moment, we don't plan to do a great deal.

“We've already brought in Henrik Larsson while a number of the players who have been on loan are back at the club.”

Ferguson believes a medical will reveal if United are taking any sort of gamble.

“The broken leg issue is there with Hargreaves but you can still sign a player if he comes through a medical. Other than that I cannot say anything more because I do not want to upset those poor Germans again.”

Hargreaves will be cup-tied for the Champions League.