Laurent Blanc heads the list of likely candidates to replace Jaap Stam after Manchester United contacted the Frenchman's current club, Inter Milan.
World Cup winner Blanc is understood to be ready to travel to Old Trafford tonight after being displaced this season from the Italian club's starting line-up, particularly after the arrival of coach Hector Cupar at the San Siro.
United need to make a signing before the end of the week for Stam's replacement to be eligible for the Champions League first group stages.
Inter have confirmed United contacted them about Blanc and that they had agreed to let the player go. He could be available on a free transfer but would demand wages as high as £2 million sterling a year after tax.
Despite his poor form and the revelations in his autobiography, Stam had hoped to resolve his differences with Ferguson and stay with the club.
The Dutchman told the Daily Mail: "The only conclusion I can draw is that I have been kicked out by Sir Alex Ferguson.
"I can think of no good sporting reason why I should be sold. For three years I have been in the first team and we have won every trophy we could".
Stam also revealed his bid to patch things up with Ferguson had been rejected.
"I wanted to clear the air but when we sat down for the talks, they took a very different turn. If I hadn't been forced out, though, there is no way I would have signed for Lazio".
PA