Basel shun Zenit bid for Manchester United target

Manchester United could still sign exciting Basel midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri after Zenit St Petersburg's latest bid was rejected.

Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to be a fan of the 20-year-old playmaker but has so far rejected the chance to bid for the talent's services.

Zenit have waited until the final few days of the January transfer window to lodge their bid of £8m, which the Swiss top-flight side have immediately rebuffed.

Basel are holding out for at least £14m but Zenit are preparing to test their resolve with a follow up bid of £10.5m in cash with a number of performance-based extras.

United could benefit if Basel grow tired of the Russian club's haggling and make a bid of their own in the summer.