Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is planning a raid for Benfica star Angel di Maria. The Mirror says Ferguson is set to watch 21-year-old Di Maria in action against Everton tonight to make one final check on him ahead of a potential £12million transfer-window deal.

Ferguson's spies have been tracking the speedy and skillful South American for months, but they went onto red alert when he tortured David Moyes's men in the Europa League a fortnight ago.

Di Maria also comes highly recommended by Argentina coach Diego Maradona, who has promoted him to his full team after he scored the goal that secured gold for his country at last year's Beijing Olympics.