Manchester United have rejected Newcastle's offer for defender Wes Brown.

The 28-year-old is out of contract in the summer, having turned down the Old Trafford club's final offer of a new deal.

And Toon boss Sam Allardyce sees him as the perfect man to bolster the struggling Toon's shaky defence.

But Sir Alex Ferguson turned down big Sam's bid for the player on Friday, and says the matter is now in Brown's hands.

"There was an enquiry from Newcastle about Wes and we turned it down," Fergie told the club's official website.

"The matter rests with Wes and his agent. We'll just wait and see what happens. Our offer is still there - it's now up to Wes."

Allardyce confirmed the club may go back for Brown.

He said: "I would have to speak to the chairman over that. From my point of view, I would like Wes Brown very, very much indeed.

"But I would have to speak to Chris on that and see whether we can move it forward or whether we cannot."

Meanwhile Allardyce is also maintaining his interest in Tal Ben-Haim, whom he tried to sign on a free transfer form his old club during the close-season, but was beaten to the punch by Chelsea.

The Israel international has found his chances limited at Stamford Bridge, although has been involved in recent games because of the absence of John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho.

However, the Blues are said to have placed a £2million price tag on his head.

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