Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will lean on his friendship with super agent Jorge Mendes in his pursuit of Benfica striker Nelson Oliveira. Ferguson's scouts have delivered glowing reports on Oliveira's form this season on-loan at Deportivo La Coruna.

Chelsea and Manchester City are also keen, but Ferguson has an advantage thanks to his relationship with Mendes, who has Nani, Anderson - and Oliveira - on his books.