Manchester United are pondering to make a bid for Everton youngster Jack Rodwell, according to The Sun.

Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to be preparing a £10million plus out-of-favour Michael Carrick offer for the 19-year-old, who is touted as the next big thing in England after impressing in his first few seasons in the top-flight.

Meanwhile, Everton manager David Moyes is desperate to cling on to the Under-21 star and prevent a repeat of Wayne Rooney but could find the deal too tempting to turn down.

Ferguson is believed to be a keen admirer of the young midfielder, who can also fill in as a centre-half and has been compared to a young Rio Ferdinand.

United are in a dilemma whether to move for Rodwell now before the end of the transfer window or wait until the end of the campaign when his value could be rocketed.

Rodwell has been at Goodison since seven and made his Premier League debut in March 2008.