Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he is interested in procuring the services of Bayern Munich midfield maestro Franck Ribery.

The inventive Frenchman recently insisted he would prefer a move to a Spanish club than heading to the Premier League, but it has not deterred the United boss from expressing his interest in the 26-year-old.

“I like [Franck] Ribery,” said Ferguson, according to the Sunday Express.

“Bayern [Munich] wanted £70 million for him last summer but it looks like he will get his move this summer.

“It’s looking like Spain but I do like him.”

As a consequence, it is claimed the ageing Scot will hold talks with the Bavarian club over a potential £40m switch for the former Olympique de Marseille player.

And the Red Devils boss will get a chance to take a closer look at Ribery on Tuesday night, as Manchester United meet Bayern Munich in the quarter-final first leg of the Champions League.