Defender Sol Campbell keen on joining Manchester United

Former England defender and free agent Sol Campbell has revealed he would welcome a move to Manchester United.

The 35-year-old centre-half would be available in January after finally being released from his five-year contract with Notts County last week.

"I would love to play for Manchester United," Campbell told ESPN. "But I'm not counting any chickens, just waiting to see what happens.

"I have heard nothing officially from United. It would be a great move."

The Old Trafford side had 15 players missing - including eight defenders - for Tuesday's 3-1 Champions League win at Wolfsburg and Campbell could be an attractive option in January's transfer window.

Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic are the only regular United defenders who are fit with Rio Ferdinand, John O'Shea, Jonny Evans, Gary Neville, Wes Brown as well as Rafael and Fabio da Silva either injured or sick.

Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher were part of a makeshift three-man defence in Germany and it has been reported that manager Sir Alex Ferguson is keen on securing Campbell as a short-term solution.

The former Tottenham, Arsenal and Portsmouth defender only settled his contract dispute with Notts County last Wednesday after the League Two side initially refused to release his registration.

Campbell, capped 73 times by his country, linked up with director of football Sven-Goran Eriksson at Meadow Lane in August but departed less than a month into the five-year deal having played just one game.

He was reportedly on wages of £40,000 and according to some reports became disillusioned with the club's rate of progression during his brief stay.