He said: “Quite simply, top strikers are becoming rarities and it is very difficult to get them.
“Carlos has shown his ability to play in England and the immense influence he had on a team at the bottom of the league.
“Sometimes you worry about players from South America — that there might be a settling-in period.
“I don’t think there is any doubt, despite whatever West Ham may say, that he kept them up. His performances were that good.”
He continued: “Our front players are mobile, quick and very strong.
“Carlos is a through-the-middle player. One or two times he played wide left, but his best work is as a centre-forward.
“I see Carlos as a central player and Rooney as a central player, whereas Ronaldo can play anywhere.”
Ferguson added: “I feel more confident about getting him now because the agent is confident enough to take it to the High Court.
“You can be embarrassed there if it is not right and lose everything. He must be very confident regarding the situation with West Ham.
“I would imagine it will be done before the deadline — and we will wait for him anyway if we have to.
“We have gone so far now there is no point stepping back.
“Last summer we didn’t go for him because we weren’t sure of the arrangement.”
