Ballack off Ferguson’s wish list

Alex Ferguson has reset his January transfer sights after taking the unprecedented step of announcing he is backing out of a bid for Michael Ballack.

Notoriously reluctant to discuss potential signings, Ferguson decided to go public with his admiration for the Germany captain, while at the same time admitting he would not be trying to buy the 29-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer.

Instead, it seems Ferguson is stepping up his search for a defensive midfielder to replace departed skipper Roy Keane.