Premier League

Manchester United have increased their efforts to overhaul their pedestrian midfield by stepping up their interest in Samir Nasri and Ashley Young.

With Paul Scholes stepping down at the end of the season and the frisky Ryan Giggs not getting younger, Sir Alex Ferguson is eager to inject some youth and creativity into an area of the pitch where United are currently weakest and were badly exposed in the Champions League Final against Barcelona.

United’s pursuit of Nasri seemed a tad outlandish at first, but they are well aware that the Frenchman has only one year left on his contract and are also aware of his hesitation to sign a new deal with the Gooners.

They will also have been heartened by Nasri’s comments when asked about his Arsenal future in recent days.

"I don't know if I will sign a new contract. Anyway, the discussions are ongoing,” he said.

"For the moment, I don't think about this. We will speak about it after the (French international) match with Poland.

"Do I want to go to Man United? First, we should see if it's real and if it is concrete."

While United’s interest in Nasri is relatively new, they have been linked with Aston Villa attacker Young for some time and his representatives have reportedly already opened talks with United officials over a possible move to Old Trafford.

25-year old Young has already signalled his intention to play in the Champions League and looks likely to become the second Englishman to arrive at United this summer, following the £16 million signing of Phil Jones from Blackburn, although one could call Wayne Rooney a new man given the wonders that his new hair transplant have done for his overall look.