Manchester City are being linked with CSKA Moscow winger Milos Krasic.
The Daily Mail says Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson spoke in glowing terms about the right-sided player after facing CSKA in the Champions League group phase.
Arsenal and Liverpool scouts also watched him dazzle at Old Trafford when the Russians drew 3-3 with the Barclays Premier League champions, while Chelsea have also been linked with a move.
Krasic's agent Dejan Joksimovic denied he was in Italy for talks, but Inter have moved ahead of neighbours AC Milan as the favourites for his signature.
The former Vojvodina star prefers the Italian game, though friends have tried to convince him that a move to England would be in his best interests.
"Many English teams like Milos," said Joksimovic. "Roberto Mancini is thinking of him, but currently Manchester City nor the other interested teams have elaborated an official offer.
"CSKA Moscow want to keep him until June. If he leaves in January, Italian clubs are virtually cut off because the player has no EU passport and he costs a lot."