Smith has two years left on his Man Utd contract

But with Newcastle and Middlesbrough thought to have had bids accepted for the 26-year-old England striker, Ferguson insisted no deal was imminent.

Ferguson said: "There have been a few enquiries and we know Alan wants first-team football but nothing has been decided."

Everton's interest is dependent upon them offloading James Beattie.

Boro chief executive Keith Lamb says they are to step up their interest in the former Leeds player.

Earlier, United said they had not received any "firm offers", but Lamb insisted: "Our position hasn't changed.

"If you go back a few weeks, it was well documented that we had agreed a fee and had permission to talk to Alan.

"But Alan was away on holiday and then went on tour with United, so we haven't had the opportunity to speak to him."

Lamb added: "I'm sure he is well aware of our interest, and I'm sure in the next few days the opportunity to speak to Alan will present itself.

606: DEBATE Does Alan Smith's future lie at Old Trafford?

"If it's right for Alan and right for Middlesbrough, it's something we might well conclude."

Smith has two years left on his current deal but is expected to be sold before the start of the season.

Boro are understood to have offered �6m for the former Leeds forward, while Everton, Sunderland and Spurs have also been linked with Smith.

It's apparent that his future at Manchester United isn't certain Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate

United chief executive David Gill had earlier said: "We've not had any firm offers for Alan Smith, though a couple of clubs have called to ask about the situation.

"We also received a text from someone else. We'll see what happens but so far nothing has resulted from it."

Smith battled back from a broken leg to play last season, but the expected offer of a new deal at Old Trafford has not materialised.

The striker was signed from Leeds United for �7m three years ago.

Boro boss Gareth Southgate added: "It's apparent that his future at Manchester United isn't certain.

"I think the situation is that he understandably wants to stay and fight for a place at Manchester United.