SIR Alex Ferguson has been told he will have to pay top dollar for Jussi Jaaskelainen, if he wants to take him to Old Trafford.

Wanderers have denied having any approach for their hightly-rated keeper but there has been increasing speculation this week that Manchester United will launch a bid when the transfer window opens in January.

Reebok number two, Phil Brown, was not surprised to see Jaaskelainen's name in the United frame but made it clear that, if Sir Alex did come calling, he would not get him on the cheap.

"I've always rated Jussi in the top three in the Premier League," he said.

"And if our players are being linked with the top clubs, then it's a sign that we are doing things correctly here.

"I know Sam (Allardyce) won't like it, but if we were offered £6million or £7million for him it would be a good return.

"But there has been no official approach. It's pure speculation."

United have been linked with a number of goalkeepers, including Chelsea's Carlo Cudicini and Middlesbrough's Mark Schwarzer, since Ferguson dropped American international, Tim Howard, following a series of below-par performances and promoted Roy Carroll from the subs' bench.