Nigeria World Cup left-back Elderson Echiejile is a shock target for Manchester United.
The People says he joined Portuguese side Braga in the summer and scored when they beat Celtic in their Champions League qualifying clash.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is looking for a left-back to put pressure on Patrick Evra, 29, and take over from him in a couple of years.
Elderson's appearances in the Champions League mean there would be little point in him joining United for the second half of the season because he would be ineligible for Europe.
Instead, Ferguson may tee-up a move at about £6million and leave Elderson, 22, in Braga, where he only moved in the summer in a deal seen as a shop window for him.
The powerful defender would qualify for a work permit because he has been a Nigeria regular.
