Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson tops the rich list. REUTERS

English Premier League heavyweights Manchester United have recognized Italian Serie A side Bologna’s Uruguayan attacking midfielder Gaston Ramirez as their next young target to lure away to Old Trafford and are believed to be ready to cough up an impressive transfer bid for the South American, say the latest reports.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to bring a talented midfielder at the end of the season to deal with any problems the team had in this season. With the likes of Ryan Giggs slowly entering his veteran years and greats like Paul Scholes already bidding adieu to the club, the boss is determined to fill up the gap and Ramirez, 21, could be an effective player who can make the necessary passes in the midfield and even take a shot at a goal.

Ramirez was previously linked with a move to several high-profile clubs but he decided to remain at Bologna for the start of the 2011–12 Serie A season, and eventually signed a new contract with the club until 2016. So it is to be seen if Bologna agrees to any bid made by United at the end of the season.

Apart from United, Ramirez has also attracted the fancy of clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester City and Juventus, according to a Corriere dello Sport report.

Fray Bentos-born Gaston Ezequiel Ramirez Pereyra, who arrived at Bologna in August 2010 from Uruguayan Primera Division club Penarol, finished his first season at Bologna with four goals and two assists in 25 league appearances and scored an additional three goals in two Coppa Italia games.