Newspaper reports suggest that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is lining up a surprise swoop for Barcelona midfielder Emmanuel Petit.
The former Arsenal star has failed to make an impression at the Nou Camp since moving to Spain last summer as part of a Stg£30million deal whichalso involved Dutch winger Marc Overmars.
Petit, who will be 31 in September, has four years left to run on his contract with the Catalan giants but has already been linked with a return tothe Premiership via Chelsea.
Any move by United for Petit could also be seen as bait in a bid to land unsettled Arsenal star Patrick Vieira.
The France team-mates are good personal friends as well as having forged a superb partnership on the field during their time at Highbury.
Vieira has reportedly told the Gunners of his desire to seek a new challenge.
His agent Marc Roger said yesterday: "I was in the meeting when Patrick told Arsene Wenger and David Dein he wants to leave.
"He wanted to tell them face to face. They are fully aware of his intentions to move on and they know the score.
"They must understand it is nothing personal. But if Patrick Vieira wants to leave for a new challenge, it is my job to help him achieve that.
"I have twice negotiated new contracts for Patrick to stay at the club. If he wanted to stay now, I would organise another deal for him. But hedoesn't."
Suggestions of a switch to Old Trafford have been widespread this week and United legend Eric Cantona, for one, believes it would be a goodmove for the player.
"Great players are not happy unless they are winning things - until the last day of their life they want to win," said Cantona.
"If he is leaving Arsenal then Patrick would definitely improve the Manchester United team.
"He is one of the best midfielders France has had in a long time - he is one of the best in the world at the moment. He could play at any club andwould be one of the key players."
PA