Boss Excited By Diouf

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the club will be applying for a work permit for budding striker Mame Biram Diouf in January.

The 21-year-old, who has made one appearance for the senior Senegal national side, has impressed in training since signing in the summer from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s former club Molde, whom he has been playing for on loan.

With an ever-inflating transfer market, the United boss believes the Reds have pulled off a real coup in snapping up a hot prospect for the future.

Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Sir Alex said: “If you’re talking about value then you can look at our young boy Diouf."He’s been training with us and is looking very exciting. We’re going to apply for a work permit in January.

“That’s the kind of situation we’re good at – finding young players who can develop at the club and at 21 years of age he’s looking very good.”

Two other players that Sir Alex hopes to have available sooner rather than later are Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves.

The boss hinted that Rio could be fit again sometime in January, while Hargreaves is edging ever closer to competitive action.

“Rio is making some progress now, he’s much better. I think in maybe three weeks he should be available again," declared Sir Alex.

“Owen is doing most things [in training]. He’s doing work with the physios and possession training with us. It’s the confidence part to mark the big step forward in the competitive part of the training that needs to come now.”