Cahill has long looked certain to join Chelsea, but the move has hit a number of snags in recent weeks.
The Daily Mail reports that Ferguson is planning a late swoop for the England international.
United are struggling with injuries. United skipper Nemanja Vidic is out for the season and Ferguson could decide to sign Cahill to feature alongside Rio Ferdinand.
Cahill’s £120,000-a-week wage demands is currently holding up the defender’s move to Chelsea.
