Manchester United may bring forward plans to sign Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced of the 17 year-old's talent, but reluctant to immediately bring him to England.

With Arsenal also eyeing Kovavic, Zagreb sources say United may seek to sign the midfield schemer in January - and loan him back to Zagreb for the remainder of the season.

Dinamo have confirmed the presence of United scouts at their games this term.