Premiership: United back in Forlan hunt

Manchester United are back vying with Middlesbrough to sign Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan.

Middlesbrough thought they had pipped United when they agreed a fee of around £6m fee with Argentinian side Independiente for Forlan.

However, the deal has stalled because cash-strapped Independiente want the money in a one-off payment, while Boro want to pay it in installments.

It is also believed Forlan would rather move to Old Trafford than the Riverside Stadium.

This has re-opened the door for the Premier League champions, who have had the highly-rated 24-year-old watched.

United refuse to comment on Forlan, but it is understood they remain interested and could make a bid.

Alex Ferguson is keen to strengthen his strikeforce for the second half of the season after selling Andy Cole to Blackburn.

He feels Forlan would be a useful addition to his squad, even though he is still keen on prising Paolo di Canio away from West Ham.

United will have to move quickly as they have two weeks before the Champions League transfer window closes.

Meanwhile, it is looking increasingly unlikely that United will be making a bid for Barcelona’s out-of-favour defender Michael Reiziger.