Fergie Chasing Greek Wonderkid as Scholes Replacement

According to reports today, Manchester United are set to capture Greek wonder kid Sotiris Ninis as early as the January transfer window.

The 20-year-old who currently plays for Greek side Panathinaikos has an £8 million release clause in his contract and the Red Devils are ready to activate it after Sir Alex Ferguson identified him as the ideal replacement for Paul Scholes.

United are believed to have already opened negotiations with the Athens club about taking Ninis to Old Trafford and the acquisition of the player would fall in line with the club’s current transfer policy of recruiting young, talented players.

20-year-olds Chris Smalling, Bebe and 22-year-old Javier Hernandez have all been added to the Manchester United squad this season.

Ninis, a skilful, elusive dribbler with an eye for a pass, has played much of his football on the right wing, but is also well suited to a free role behind a centre-forward or a creative midfield role. He is small at 5 ft 8 and was born in Albania but is of Greek descent, and has represented Greece at U21 and senior level scoring on his debut. In 64 appearances for Panathinaikos he has scored 6 goals.