5 Players on Manchester United's January Transfer List

Sir Alex Ferguson has been told there is money available in the January transfer window, as Manchester United lose ground to fierce rivals Manchester City in the title race.

Sunday's FA Cup victory against City temporarily lifted the gloom surrounding Old Trafford following back-to-back league defeats against Blackburn and Newcastle.

Ferguson has faced renewed calls to strengthen his Manchester United squad during the current transfer window and, despite the manager's reluctance to spend money mid-season, he has been linked with moves for a number of top European players in recent weeks.

The loss of Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has been felt most heavily, while long-term injuries to Tom Cleverley and Darren Fletcher means the Scot is also in the market for a creative central midfielder.

Paul Scholes' Manchester United return is viewed as a temporary salve for a long-term problem area and Ferguson is reportedly still interested in Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder, despite the midfielders extortionate wage demands.

With this in mind, IBTimes Sports takes a look at the players Manchester United will be monitoring during the January transfer window.