Sir Alex Ferguson is aiming to add a striker to his Manchester United squad before the start of the season.

United have been heavily linked with a bid for Tottenham Hotspur star Dimitar Berbatov as Ferguson looks to improve his attacking options.

With Wayne Rooney struggling with a virus, Cristiano Ronaldo out until October, and Louis Saha continuing to battle with his fitness, Ferguson is short of cover up front and has confirmed he has several options to consider.

"We are looking at three or four different options in the striking department which I hope will come to a happy conclusion," said Ferguson.

"Hopefully we will have someone in for the start of the season."

Meanwhile, Ferguson has suggested Saha has a future with the champions, despite the French striker's injury troubles throughout his United career.

"You don't want to give up on people like that just because they have had a few injuries," added Ferguson.

"When he is fit, Louis is an explosive player who will guarantee 20 goals a season.

"Louis is on a programme at the moment which we feel will get him to 100% fitness.

"It is more about his confidence in doing this programme which will get him back playing all the time. Hopefully that is the case because he is such a fantastic player."