Manchester United Transfer News: Is Fergie About to Spring a Surprise?

Manchester United's manager's press conference has been postponed until 2 pm today.

Does this mean Sir Alex is about to surprise us all by announcing a signing?

Who would that be?

We have laid out a list of 10 players who would help United win a 20th title if just one, or ideally two, were signed.

And previously we analysed a list of players who might actually be available whom Sir Alex could sign.

So who could it be?

Sir Alex has previously suggested he would not be prepared to sign anyone in January, unless:

They were one of the players he has been tracking;

They were a high enough class;

They would add to the existing squad;

They represented "value" in the market place.

Today, Tony Pulis of Stoke forecast that this transfer market would be very quiet, with few big deals.

Chelsea are trying to get at least two signings, according to Andre Villas-Boas; Roberto Mancini has said he will sign no one without selling existing players; Harry Redknapp has been quiet; Arsenal are rumoured to have interest, but there is nothing firm.

Meanwhile, a couple of players appear to have become available:

Paul Henrique Ganso's agent is in town. Gary Cahill is definitely available. Eden Hazard could move if his release clause is met.

So who is the most likely signing?

Surely it has to be Gary Cahill?

Reasons to sign

Rio Ferdinand appears to be unfit yet again, and has frankly become unreliable.

Nemanja Vidic is out for the rest of the season.

Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are only just back from injury/illness.

Phil Jones has looked tired.

Sir Alex needs a core of experience to balance the array of youth in the squad.

Gary Cahill has been widely touted as the replacement for John Terry.

The Cahill-Chelsea saga has dragged on, supposedly because of his wages. There is an undercurrent that suggests he'd like to stay in the northwest.

So, just like City nabbed Nasri at the death, how about Sir Alex picking up a "bargain" in Cahill at £7 million, who would fit into the wage structure?

It would also be at the expense not only of Chelsea, but Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs, who have all been interested in Cahill. In at least two of these cases, when he was priced at £25 million last summer.

And finally...it would leave Bolton short at the back for the match at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Get it done Fergie!