Sir Alex Ferguson's New £20m Answer to Manchester United's Midfield?

According to recent reports, Manchester United is making a move for Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra for a speculated price tag of roughly £20 million. Real Madrid has signed the German sensation Sami Khedira under Mourinho's order and it looks likely that the arrival of Khedira will result in irregular first-team action for Diarra.

Manchester United has a young, ready team in action at the moment and it feels like adding a holding and tough midfielder with experience will give new dimension to the squad. Though the team needs an attacking midfielder to replace the aging Paul Scholes, the injury of Owen Hargreaves and the poor form of Michael Carrick cannot be ruled out.

This has perhaps led United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to go for the French international Diarra. A combination of Diarra with United’s Darren Fletcher will provide a deep root to the team.

United has already invested in forward options this season by purchasing Chicharito Hernandez, so maybe it is time to add a defensive and holding strength to the team.

Diarra, the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder, has made only 50 appearances in the Bernabeau for Madrid and the arrival of Khedira perhaps limits more of his first-team chances. On the other hand, he can be a good addition to the Red Devils based on the present condition of the squad.

The short-height midfielder called Lass in Madrid predominantly plays in a central defensive position but on occasion can also switch to advanced attacking roles or even play as a right back (thinking of old Gary Neville?). He can pass the ball well and thus help in assisting the scorers often. He is also known for his powerful long range shots on the goal.

Popularized as the "todocampista" or the jack-of-all-trades by the La Liga commentators for his versatility, he can run down the field to opponents and keep possession of the ball, thus providing defensive cover on any side of the pitch aided by his superb tackles.

Manchester United can find a solution in the 25-year-old La Liga man at the given speculated price or maybe even lower than that, for Real Madrid may be looking for a quicker offload. For sometime, Madrid has taken some of United's best, so is it time to make a "best" out of the scratch from Madrid?