Alessio Cerci Targets Champions League Before World Cup

Manchester United's chances of signing Torino star Alessio Cerci in January have been boosted after the midfielder revealed his desire of featuring in the Champions League.

The Premier League champions are keen on adding quality to their squad in the mid-season transfer window after David Moyes admitted that United will be looking to strengthen the midfield in January.

The Italian international has scored nine goals and registered seven assists in 17 Serie A appearances this season. talkSPORT reports that United are interested in signing Cerci when the transfer window opens next month as a move to Old Trafford would guarantee him European football before the World Cup.

United have progressed to the knockout round of the Champions League after topping Group A. The English champions are pitted against Olympiakos in the Round of 16 of the European competition.

"I feel ready for the Champions League - I have matured. I think it's the right time to make the leap. I want to get there, even before the World Cup," Cerci is quoted as saying in Tutto Mercato Web.

United could face competition in signing the 26-year-old midfielder after he admitted a move to his former club AS Roma. However, the Italian outfit are not featuring in the Champions League and a move to Stadio Olimpico will see him miss on the European competition this season.

"Roma? It's no secret to go back to where I grew up. Now it's a dream, but also it's a goal to go to Juventus," the Italian international stressed.

Meanwhile, United star Phil Jones is hoping to finish the year on a high during the fixtures against Hull City and Norwich City in the space of three days. The Red Devils have won the last four games played in all competitions, while conceding only one goal in the process.

"Steve Bruce has done a great job there. He's got the team he wanted, the players he wanted and that's the reason why they are performing in big games. We've definitely got to be wary of them because they will be tricky opponents on Boxing Day," Jones told United's official website.

"Against Norwich, most of the preparation will be on the tactics board and in the team meetings, it probably won't be much outside on the training pitch. But we've got to be ready for [the game]."