Soccer: Fergie chases World Cup winners

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he tried to sign world footballer of the year Zinedine Zidane.

And the Manchester United manager is reportedly close to bringing another French World Cup winner, full-back Bixente Lizarazu, to Old Trafford.

Ferguson said: "I went in again for Zidane recently but Juventus boss Roberto Bettega told me to stop wasting my time. Juventus want to build and that's the case elsewhere."

The United boss said he is chasing six players - with Lizarazu, who helped Bayern Munich win the European Cup in Milan earlier this week, apparently on the verge of a move to the Premiership champions.

Lizarazu is valued at around £7m and Ferguson said: "The player is very keen to join us as soon as possible."

He also said: "I'm chasing six players in the hope of landing three. That's the case with all the big clubs."

Reports have also suggested that Ferguson is about to launch a multi-million pound bid for Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira, although the Scot told the News of the World "no bid has been made at this stage".

Meanwhile other Sunday newspaper reports claim Eric Cantona, who quit football when he left United four years ago, has accepted an invitation from Ferguson to work with the club's youngsters in a part-time capacity.

The Frenchman was recently voted the club's best ever player by supporters.