Reports are out claiming that Sir Alex Ferguson is monitoring James McCarthy’s form at Wigan Athletic this season.
It is said that the Manchester United boss is a big fan of the 21 year old and sees him as the type of box-to-box midfielder his squad is lacking.
McCarthy has also been linked with a £10 million move to Chelsea, though Ferguson’s friendship with Wigan chairman Dave Whelan could swing any deal in his favour.
Ferguson isn’t expected to make a serious move for the Republic of Ireland until next summer, though his plans could be brought forward if he can find a buyer for Anderson.