Manchester United are being encouraged to bid for Real Madrid midfielder Rafael van der Vaart.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson considers Van der Vaart as a potential long-term successor for Paul Scholes and made enquiries after the Dutchman at the end of last season.

Sport says United are now set to revive their interest after Sampdoria made contact with Real about an £8 million offer. The Madrid giants are seeking at least double that to sell Van der Vaart.

The former Hamburg ace insists he's not angling for a move away, though knows Real coach Jose Mourinho will give Kaka priority in the creative midfield role next season.