MANCHESTER UNITED are poised to build on their Premiership title triumph with the £17.5million capture of Portuguese prodigy Nani.
Ferguson sees Nani, 20, whose favoured position is on the left of midfield, as the long-term replacement for Ryan Giggs.
Nani has a clause in his contract stating he can leave Sporting if any club comes in with a bid of £17.5m and United are determined to take advantage of that situation. With Nani sharing the same agent as Ronaldo in Jorge Mendes, United are hoping to steal a march on their rivals by landing a player who is considered one of the hottest properties in Europe.
Ronaldo and Nani came through the Sporting system together and the United star has endorsed his friend's ability and character in conversations with Ferguson.
Nani has rejected the chance of a move to Atletico Madrid because he is desperate to join Ronaldo at United.
"I'll only leave Portugal to play for a club like United," said Nani. "The Premiership is spectacular and to be the next Cristiano would be a dream for me."
The Independent carries the bad news that the club are going to move for Michael Owen. However the Mail says it will be Eto'o.