London, July 28 : Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has been forced to look at other strikers after being blocked so far in his attempts to sign Dimitar Berbatov.

Ferguson is weighing up a shock 15million pounds swoop to sign Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

Henry is one of those near the top of his list. Ferguson believes the Barcelona forward could do a similar job to Berbatov, leading the line at Old Trafford in a role, which would release Wayne Rooney from his shackles.

The United boss has also run the rule over Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz and Ajax's highly rated Klass Jan Huntelaar, The Daily Star reported.

But it is the emergence of Henry as one player in the frame that will come as a huge shock to Premier League supporters - particularly Gunners fans.

The thought of seeing their hero line up in a United shirt will fill Arsenal followers with dread, but such a prospect is not out of the question.

Ferguson is desperate to bring in another forward, but with Spurs playing hardball and seeking to find other buyers for 30million pounds Berbatov, the Scot has been forced to cast his net further afield.

There are few players in Europe with the pedigree to fulfil the role, which has led Ferguson to check out Henry's situation at the Nou Camp.

Though new boss Pep Guardiola has indicated he wants Henry, 30, to stay, the fact Samuel Eto is still at the club means the Frenchman could be available.

ANI