The News of the World says both had scouts watching the Sporting Lisbon attacking midfielder impress for his country in the 1-1 draw with England U-21s on Tuesday.

But they face competition for the £15m-rated playmaker from Spanish champs Real Madrid and Italians Juventus.

United hope to use their close ties with Sporting, having signed Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani from them in recent years, to swing the deal.