Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly stepped up his interest in signing Blackpool winger Thomas Ince.

The veteran coach is believed to have had lunch in Manchester on Monday with Thomas's father Paul, who spent six years as a player working with Ferguson up until 1995 when he left Old Trafford for Inter Milan.

Ince junior's contract with Championship outfit Blackpool is due to expire next summer, meaning that he could switch to the Red Devils on a free transfer in July.

However, Ferguson is eager to sign the 20-year-old and is prepared to offer to Tangerines £5m during the January transfer window, according to Goal.com.

Blackpool are said to have rejected an offer of £4m during the recent transfer window from Swansea City for the attacker, who joined the club from Liverpool in August 2011.

The report has also claimed that the potential arrival of Ince could end Nani's stint with United. The Portuguese international is thought to be prepared to move following unsuccessful contract negotiations.