Manchester United will have young striker Mame Biram Diouf in their ranks in January after he was granted a work permit.

The Red Devils agreed a deal with Molde in July for the 22-year-old but he has stayed with the Norwegian side on a loan basis in the meantime.

But the Senegal international has now been given the green light to move to Old Trafford in the new year, though he won't be available for the FA Cup third-round clash against Leeds on January 3.

Talking about the transfer market earlier this month, Sir Alex Ferguson said: "If you're talking about value then you can look at our young boy Diouf.

"He's been training with us and is looking very exciting.

"That's the kind of situation we're good at - finding young players who can develop at the club and at 22 years of age he's looking very good."