Manchester United eyeing up major swap move for Fiorentina striker

Despite recent rumours of Manchester United sending Italian youngster Federico Macheda on loan to Serie A, Italian daily Gazzetta Dello Sport is reporting a much bigger move this morning.

While it is understood that United are looking to provide Macheda with more experience during a 'dry run' in Serie A from January until the end of the season, Fiorentina, who United have already contacted, wish to get their hands on the striker on a more permanent basis.

To that end, the Italian daily believes that the Premier League table-toppers are considering a permanent player-plus-cash swap deal for Fiorentina striker and Italy international Alberto Gilardino, who has the net on 5 occasions in 14 games this season.

Although a move for Gilardino, 28, would seem a surprising choice for United, he is apparently seen by Sir Alex Ferguson as a more consistent replacement for Dimitar Berbatov, despite the Bulgarian's current standing as Premier League top goalscrer. It should be noted, however, that Berbatov has scored in just four apparences, hence it is still reasonable to consider his performances somewhat erratic.