Fergie refuses to rule out Newcastle move for Brown

Brown, 28, has rejected the offer of a new deal at Old Trafford and under-fire Magpies boss Sam Allardyce is interested in bringing him to St James' Park to strengthen a faltering backline.

But while Ferguson is eager to retain Brown's services, he is also ready to listen to the player's views on a possible move.

"There was an enquiry from Newcastle about Wes and we turned it down," said Ferguson.

"The matter rests with Wes and his agent. We'll just wait and see what happens. Our offer is still there - it's now up to Wes."

Brown is out of contract at the end of the season and is being courted by a series of potential buyers with Sunderland boss Roy Keane, a former team-mate, also thought to be among his admirers.

Allardyce, whose side heads to Coca-Cola Championship Stoke on Sunday for a difficult FA Cup third round tie, finds himself under intense pressure after a run of four Barclays Premier League games which has yielded just a single point.

Chairman Chris Mort expects signings during the January transfer window, but has hinted that the club's major investment will come in the summer.

However, with defenders Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye among four men due to head off on African Nations Cup duty next week, the versatile Brown would be a more than useful acquisition.

He has been capped 14 times by England and his situation has been monitored by Allardyce since his arrival at St James' Park.

The former Bolton boss is also maintaining his interest in Tal Ben-Haim, whom he tried to sign on a free transfer form his old club during the close-season, but was beaten to the punch by Chelsea.

The Israel international has found his chances limited at Stamford Bridge, although has been involved in recent games because of the absence of John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho.

However, the Blues are said to have placed a £2million price-tag on his head.