Old Trafford side look to sign Celtic youngster before the transfer window slams shut.

Check in to Transfer Window: Done Deal Alerts

Man United will launch an £8m deadline-day bid for Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama according to ESPN.

QPR vs Man United tickets still available

This same source believes such a bid will be turned down flat by the Parkhead side but the act of making the offer is apparently intended to let the Kenyan know that the Old Trafford side are keen on acquiring his services.

A number of sides are said to be keen on the talented midfield battler, who cost Celtic just £900k 18 months ago, but Neil Lennon will fight off advances for any of his star performers this month and the carrot of a Champions League tie with Juventus may well be enough to stave off any exits in January.

Ferguson may well be concerned that his midfield is being too easily bypassed by the opposition, putting further strain on an under-performing back-line, hence the need to bring in a defensive midfielder.

The Scot will also be keen to freshen up a midfield that still relies heavily on old guard talents like Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

Wanyama’s displays against Barcelona will have gone someway to displaying to watching scouts that he can perform at the very highest level with some aplomb.