"He is a fantastic little player. He knows I want him to stay," Ferguson told Sky Sports 1 when asked about the former West Ham player, who has been rumoured to be unhappy with a lack of first-team football with the Red Devils.

Problem

"I have had a chat with him today. David Gill has had some meetings today and it has progressed, I'm sure, further.

"We hope we get what we want to get. I'm sorry to have to keep on with this all the time, but it has never changed."

Ferguson believes that the stumbling block in a permanent deal has been the fact that business is being conducted with Media Sports Investment.

"We are not negotiating with a football club, that is the problem," he added.

"I think Carlos himself is okay. I think the terms he has been offered are good."