Ferguson set for 60 million pounds hiring spree this summer

London, Apr 12(ANI): Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will try to persuade his club's chiefs to spend 60 million pounds in this summer's transfer window after their season dramatically fell apart.

Ferguson wants the amount, around twice as much as in recent seasons, to strengthen the club, which crashed out of the FA Cup and Champions League, then seemingly handed the Premier League title to Chelsea with a draw against Blackburn.

According to reports, Ferguson wants to spend the money on Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and Valencia winger David Silva.

United had tried for Benzema this season, but lost out when the striker chose arch European rivals Real Madrid, who snatched him for around 35 million pounds.

Although Benzema has scored eight goals this season, his face does not seem to fit at the Bernabeu and United could get him for a 'cut-price' 25 million pounds, The Sun reports.

Silva is set to leave cash-strapped Valencia this summer, and the Spanish club could do with the 35 million he will generate.

Ferguson also has big plans for 20-year-old Chris Smalling, who he bought from Fulham this season and loaned back to Roy Hodgson until the summer.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will survive another season, but captain Gary Neville is heading for retirement in the summer. (ANI)