by Adam Marshall

MANCHESTER UNITED are poised to sign two promising African players - Michael Essien and Ibrahim Attiku - as The Red Devils continue their bid for world domination.

Sir Alex Ferguson has highlighted the need to capture young talent from around the globe, and he firmly believes that South America and Africa are continents containing a great number of untapped youngsters.

With United enjoying their new initiative of utilising feeder clubs, such as Royal Antwerp and FC Fortune, it is likely that the duo would be loaned out, in order to learn their trade, due to work permit difficulties in England.

Ghanaian defender Essien and midfield man Attiku, are both 17 and play for Accra's Liberty Professionals. They impressed in the World Youth Cup in New Zealand and are also being trailed by clubs in Germany and Italy.