Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is trying to advise troubled Reds youngster Ravel Morrison, according to The Sun.
Morrison, 18, has been described as the finest United player to advance through the youth system since Paul Scholes, but his off-the-field problems have left his career at Old Trafford in doubt.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson turned down a £1m bid from Newcastle last week, but the teenager has yet to sign a new deal at the club.
"He has got huge potential. Would be a big waste of it all goes tits-up," said Ferdinand.
United will attempt to move to the top of the Premier League table when they face Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.