Sol Campbell's move to Manchester United would be the most remarkable of his career, but nothing new for Alex Ferguson
By James Nursey
Taking a gamble on seasoned pros is nothing new for Sir Alex Ferguson.
With Sol Campbell ready to make the quantum leap from Christie Park to the Champions League in less than four months , the United boss is going over tried and trusted ground.
Legendary Swedish striker Henrik Larsson was in the twilight of his career when he joined United on loan from Helsingborgs for ten weeks in 2007.
But his impact was such that he won a Premier League medal, despite playing just seven League games in all and 13 in total in his time at Old Trafford, scoring three times.
Ferguson also snapped up Laurent Blanc and Andy Goram as their careers wound down – and also took a big gamble on bringing Michael Owen in on a free from Newcastle in the summer.
French World Cup star Blanc was a long-term target of Fergie until he landed him in 2001 – at the age of 35. Blanc retired after winning a League title with United in 2003.
Goram spent two matches on loan at United from Glasgow Rangers eight years ago.
Owen has started just seven games this season, but did come up with a valuable late winner against Manchester City.
So it is no surprise that United are seriously considering giving Campbell a short-term contract next month.
And Campbell, 35, is available having played just one game for League Two Notts County at Morecambe’s Christie Park ground in September after an ill-fated switch to the Magpies.
The 2-1 defeat was enough to prompt Campbell to walk out on County just days into a five-year £40,000-a-week deal following his summer Bosman from Portsmouth.
Campbell left moaning at the club’s poor training pitches, spartan facilities and lack of other big-name players.
But he will find no such problems at United’s plush training ground alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney and Co.
If United step up their interest in Campbell, they will ask the defender to start training with them soon ahead of the transfer window opening.
And the former Arsenal, Spurs and Portsmouth star has told pals he would jump at the chance of moving to United.
It might not please Arsene Wenger too much as the Arsenal manager has kindly been letting Campbell train with them to stay sharp.
But pals of Campbell have confirmed to Mirror Sport that moving to Old Trafford is an option for the centre-back.
And a switch there would mark an incredible turnaround for the star who many thought would walk away from football entirely after leaving County so disillusioned.
When he was unveiled at Meadow Lane, Campbell declared it was his intention to help the club back into the Premier League.
But no-one could have believed the star may be in the top-flight again in a matter of months - and certainly not with United.
Yet providing Campbell remains in great condition, his presence for six months could be vital to United given their injury woes.
Ferguson’s problems in defence are so great, Jonny Evans and John O’Shea have been ruled out until the New Year.
And with the Glazer family feeling the pinch, a free transfer for Campbell must be tempting for all concerned.
Should Campbell join United it would be arguably the most remarkable transfer of his career.
After making his name coming up through the ranks at Spurs, Campbell stunned fans by quitting for arch-rivals Arsenal on a free in July 2001.
Campbell duly won the Premier League twice with Arsenal in 2002 and 2004 - the latter as part of the Invincibles.
And he enjoyed lifting the FA Cup three times in 2002, 2003 and 2005 for the Gunners as he earned 73 England caps in the process.
Campbell also won the same trophy in 2008 with Portsmouth during his three-year spell at Fratton Park.
But he may now get another crack at the Champions League and the chance for more medals should his proposed switch to United come off.
Campbell was a runner-up in the competition in 2006 when Arsenal lost to Barcelona as he scored in the heart-breaking 2-1 defeat and would dearly love to go one better.
Manchester United to make shock move for Sol Campbell in January - Exclusive
Sol Campbell to Manchester United - how I broke the story, by James Nursey
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