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Manchester United are ready to make a shock move for free agent Sol Campbell to boost their injury-hit defence.
Former England centre-back Campbell, 35, has finally reached an exit agreement with League Two Notts County following his ill-fated move.
And Premier League champions United have emerged as surprise suitors for the star’s signature next month.
Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson would dearly love to get Campbell immediately as Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans and John O’Shea are all sidelined.
But Campbell is likely to have to wait until January to join a new club as County are still in the process of formally releasing his registration as agreed.
Campbell, who only played one game for the Magpies, is currently training with Arsenal to stay in shape.
But United are ready to offer Campbell the chance to train with them instead ahead of the transfer window opening on January 1 to asses the veteran’s fitness.
And United boss Ferguson may then offer Campbell a six-month contract until the end of the season.
Ferguson has offered short-term deals to other experienced stars in the past like Swedish striker Henrik Larsson, who arrived on loan in January 2007.
It would be a dream move for Campbell who dramatically quit County in August - less than a month into a five-year deal.
Campbell was expected to join Championship Newcastle on a free next month but Toon insiders now think the ace will go to United.
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton spoke to Campbell, who he knows from their days at Tottenham.
And Newcastle even discussed salary figures with Campbell’s representatives.
But the lure of a potential move to United will be impossible for Campbell, capped 73 times by England, to resist.
It will give the centre-back a chance to add more silverware to his glittering CV - as well as possibly rekindle his faint hopes of making England’s World Cup squad.
United are also monitoring Manchester City’s England starlet Micah Richards, who can play full-back or in the middle of defence.
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