Ferguson prepares bid for £2m French 'investment'... but may not see the benefit of sea of red until he retires

By Declan Warrington

Published: 07:02 EDT, 28 April 2013 | Updated: 07:04 EDT, 28 April 2013

Sir Alex Ferguson is planning to treat himself following another successful season, and could even be preparing for retirement.

The Manchester United manager earlier this week securing his 13th league title at the club and is to respond by purchasing a vineyard for around £2m in the south of France.

The 71 year old, and wife Cath, also hope to invest in a chateau in which they can relax after further trophy-chasing pursuits, according to The Star.

Planning for the future: Sir Alex Ferguson always appears to be one step ahead of everyone else

'Alex has longed to get into wine production for quite a while,' said a United insider of the manager who is known to share wine with his opposite number after matches. 'It’s a subject and a pastime which absolutely fascinates him.

'His knowledge of wine is very good and he’s got close friends outside of football who share his passion.

'He’s got one mate who lives near him who is always on the phone if he has heard of a particularly rated bottle and the pair of them then go out and try to source some.

Fond of a drink? Ferguson plans to invest £2m in a vineyard

'He’s never hidden the fact that his dream would be to buy his own vineyard and we understand he’s looking to invest in the region of £2m in the summer.'

The date of Ferguson's retirement remains the source of considerable speculation and uncertainty.

To benefit? Friends Alan Curbishley and Sam Allardyce are both known to enjoy post-match wine with Fergie

The manager's transfer policy has recently appeared somewhat more short-term which would suggest could step down sooner than perhaps expected though his appetite for the game suggests otherwise.

What is more certain, however, is that he hopes to spend six months a year in southern France when he finally does retire but that his £4m Wilmslow mansion is to be kept so that he can continue to return to his Cheshire home.