Manchester United are ready to make an audacious swoop for Mikel Arteta.
The classy Everton midfielder is currently involved in contract talks with his Merseyside club, but has so far yet to make any progress in negotiations.
And now Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to test the water with an inquiry to see if his friend David Moyes would be willing to sell.
Arteta still has two years left on his current Goodison deal, but progress in negotiations has been slow, and the Spaniard is aware of other interest from the likes of United, Arsenal and Manchester City.
He is loyal to Everton and has a good relationship with boss Moyes, but at 28 he would like the chance to play in the Champions League and push his international claims.
United boss Fergie holds too much respect for his Everton counterpart Moyes and would never try to steal the player away.
But if Everton do decide that they can’t persuade the midfielder to commit his long-term future then they would be interested, especially if the price was right at about £10million.
Arsenal already see Arteta as a possible replacement should Cesc Fabregas leave, and City have made no admiration for the midfielder.
Everton don’t want to sell and still believe the Spaniard will sign a new deal, and officials at Goodison would be massively reluctant to do any business with City after the bad taste left by Joleon Lescott’s move to Eastlands last summe
