Football: UNITED WANT SMITH

MANCHESTER United will attempt to sign Leeds striker Alan Smith when the transfer window reopens in January.

Sir Alex Ferguson believes the capture of the 22-year-old England marksman, rated at around pounds 15million, will help United revive their faltering Premiership title campaign.

Leeds have been made aware of United's interest in Smith, who grabbed all four goals in 4-1 demolition against UEFA Cup opponents Hapoel last week, and are adamant he is not for sale at any price.

They will resist any attempt to lure the player away - but Ferguson is determined to get his man.

He capitalised on financial problems at the Yorkshire club in the summer when he signed Smith's former team-mate Rio Ferdinand.

He believes Ferdinand could persuade Smith to join him at Old Trafford.

Leeds fans would be furious if Smith is allowed to go but the club's crippling debts, which are reported to be around pounds 60million, will encourage Ferguson to make an irresistible offer.

The Elland Road club will fight off interest by offering Smith a new double your money five year contract worth around pounds 42,000 a week even though he has 30 months remaining on his present deal.

A club spokesman said: "Alan Smith has this week reaffirmed to the club that he only wants to play for Leeds United, no one else.

"He is a Leeds lad and he loves the club. Far from going anywhere, we will sit down with Alan to thrash out a longer term deal which we hope to conclude before the end of the season."

Ironically Leeds made a similar noises when United stepped up their interest in Ferdinand.

Chairman Peter Ridsdale maintained the player was going nowhere and no amount of money would prize him away from the club.

But two months after United finally went public with their interest Ferdinand became sufficiently unsettled to hand in a transfer request to complete a record breaking pounds 30million move.

Smith is a dynamic modern day striker who's aggression and will to win is what is admired most by Fergie.

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