Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is trying to wrap up a deal for Everton’s Seamus Coleman as he looks strengthen his defensive options.
The 23-year-old has been targeted by the Red Devil’s chief as a potential solution to his right back problem and a deal to bring him to Old Trafford in the summer has been rumoured. Coleman has impressed since making debut for the Toffees in 2009 but has been used a wide midfielder for much of the last two seasons.
Ferguson, however, believes the Republic of Ireland international is more suited to playing on the right side of defence and see’s him as the natural successor to Gary Neville who retired last season. The 70-year-old considers Coleman to share a similar playing style and mentality to the former United captain and is reportedly set to test David Moyes’ resolve to keep him.
The two clubs shared a tense relationship following the transfer of Wayne Rooney in 2004 but that seems to have eased following Darron Gibson’s move to Goodison Park and Ferguson is eager to take advantage. With Everton still struggling financially and Moyes keen to strengthen United know any offer over £10 million will be considered.
Should their pursuit of Coleman be successful it could spell the end of Rafael’s career at Old Trafford after Ferguson ran out of patience with the injury prone Brazilian. It would also allow the United boss to move Chris Smalling to his natural position at centre half to cover for injured skipper Nemanja Vidic.