Manchester United boss denies French defender deal

Sir Alex Ferguson has denied he is looking to bring in free-agent Mikael Silvestre to ease his defensive troubles, and says the former Manchester United centre-back is just training with the club.

United are currently without captain Nemanja Vidic and young duo Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, while Rio Ferdinand's long-term fitness is always cause for concern.

With Silvestre - a veteran of 361 games during nine years at Old Trafford - back among the ranks, there have been suggestions Ferguson could be tempted to reinforce his defence in the short term.

However, the Manchester United boss confirmed that the 35-year-old Frenchman is only with the club to improve his fitness as he looks to gain a new contract elsewhere.

“He’s just training with us," Ferguson told a press conference ahead of Manchester United's meeting with CFR Cluj in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Silvestre left United for Arsenal in 2008 before joining Bundesliga side Werder Bremen two years later, and is now out of contract having been released by the German club in the summer.