SIR ALEX FERGUSON is pursuing one of European football's leading young forwards, Luis Suarez, as he prepares to reinforce a Manchester United attack that has yet to recover fully from the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez.

The Old Trafford manager has carefully monitored the development of the Uruguay international, inset, who at 22 already captains Ajax Amsterdam, having claimed 54 goals in 75 League appearances for the Dutch club. Suarez - also a regular scorer for his national team - has drawn comparisons to Ronaldo in his ability to play through the centre or on either flank.

Ajax are aware of Ferguson's interest and expect a bidding war to develop, with Manchester City, Internazionale and AC Milan also involved. Martin Jol, appointed Ajax