Solskjaer praises Vegard Forren as good enough for Manchester United

The Norwegian defender plays under the former Old Trafford favourite at Molde, will Ferguson look to exploit his link with Solskjaer to bring Forren to Manchester?

Vergard Forren has been linked with a host of big European clubs in his time at Molde. AC Milan, Liverpool and Hoffenheim have all shown an interest in the 24 year old in the past, and Club Brugge were reportedly thwarted with a couple of bids last year. The defender has spoken about his desire to one day play at a top club, but he has also previously reiterated his commitment to Molde.

Playing under Solskjaer Forren won the Tippeliga last year, and with Manchester United reportedly interested in signing the player, the time looks right for a move. Solskjaer has no doubt about his player's ability, saying recently:

"Yes, he could play for Manchester United, but I don't have to tell him that. At his best he is a very good footballer."

United are currently suffering a shortage of defenders because of injuries, and with Rio Ferdinand looking close to the end of his career at the top level, Forren could join the club at an ideal time. Forren would also be a relatively inexpensive addition to the Manchester club's ranks, with a price tag rumoured to be around £4 million.

Forren's star is on the rise, with him earning his first full cap for Norway in January. He looks set to become a fixture in his national side, and a move out of Norway would be the next logical step. With Solskjaer's links to United, speculation would always abound that Forren would go there, but the move makes sense for all sides.

The step up may end up proving too large for Forren, but he has the attributes to be a success in England, and Solskjaer knows plenty about what it takes to be a hit in English football. A January move for the player would give United cover in their defensive ranks, Forren has the ability to end up being more than that in seasons to come.

Ferguson has always been keen to ensure his side has the players available to evolve, and several of his defenders are entering the last chapters of their United career. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have already been signed with the future in mind, and Rafael and Buttner are already making first team appearances too. Forren would add depth to the club’s central defence in the short term, and has the potential to be important in the future too.

Nick Harris

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I'm Nick Harris, Spurs fan and sports writer. Alongside HITC, I'm the founder, editor, writer, and fan of footballspirals.com and can be found on Twitter - @nicksharris. When I'm not watching sport I'm usually drinking coffee and checking updates on my phone in an antisocial manner.