Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to see Federico Macheda remain in the Premier League when he goes on loan for the second half of the season.

3565 - Sir Alex Ferguson wants Macheda to stay in England

Macheda has had limited opportunities at Manchester United and Ferguson has already confirmed he is keen for the player to gain more experience elsewhere.

The player's agent has since claimed that Macheda is likely to join one of Italy's top clubs and that the loan could include an option to buy, but Ferguson appears to have firm plans for the the striker's future.

"If any club comes along and convinces the player and me that he'll get games, they will be the ones we will be thinking about," he said. "He's thinking about Italy, but I'd hope it will be the Premier League."

The Sunday Mirror reports that Wigan and Aston Villa have expressed an interest in Macheda.