The 22-year-old defender met with officials from Manchester at the weekend and Rennes have asked for two weeks to consider the deal.

The �5m-rated defender is seen by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson as the perfect back-up to the first-choice central defence of Laurent Blanc and Rio Ferdinand.

But Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi insisted he was keen to keep Escude.

He said: "Manchester have confirmed their interest in the player.

"But we are not interested in such a transfer as it it's too late in the season and to find a suitable replacement would be difficult."

Despite being keen not to sell the former French Under-21 international, Dreossi revealed the deal could still go ahead.

'We haven't decided on anything," he said. "We will reflect on the situation in the interests of everyone."

Escude joined Rennes from Cannes in 1999 and has been a regular in their first team since.

He can play at left-back or centre-half and last month he hinted that he would be prepared to move to the Premiership with United.

Speaking after Saturday's 0-0 draw against Troyes, he insisted he was keen to move to the Premiership.

He said: "I have done my time at Rennes.

"I can't pass up such an opportunity."