Di Canio waiting for Man Utd

Man Utd tried to sign Di Canio in March

Paolo di Canio's agent has urged Manchester United to make their move for the Italian star.

West Ham insist Manchester United have not made a fresh approach for their mercurial star.

Sir Alex Ferguson failed to land the striker in March but speculation has grown that he will try again.

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And Di Canio's agent Matteo Roggi believes the time is right for Ferguson to make his move for the 34-year-old Hammers captain.

"It is clear that Mr Ferguson likes him as a player," said Roggi.

"I think now is the right time for a transfer as Paolo is on a Bosman free at the end of the season.

"The people from Manchester United have got our number, so if anything is to be done they will call us.

"But if nothing happens he will still have a great season with West Ham."

Come in number nine

Di Canio is out of contract next summer and has been touted as the man Ferguson wants to sign before the 31 August transfer deadline.

But Hammers spokesman Peter Stewart said: "It's just speculation - we have had no approach from Manchester United.

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"Constant speculation doesn't help the manager but it's the way football is now. Most clubs have to endure it at some point or other."

Old Trafford chief executive Peter Kenyon insisted that United's summer spending was over following the £29.3m capture of Rio Ferdinand last week.

But Ferguson has only three frontline strikers after selling Dwight Yorke to Blackburn for £2m last week.

West ham manager Glenn Roeder has spent no money this summer, with both Raimond van der Gouw and Youssef Sofiane arriving on free transfers.

Selling Di Canio would increase his options in the transfer market and allow promising striker Jermain Defoe to play a more prominent role.