Manchester United's hopes of landing Porto fullback Jose Bosingwa are likely to be delayed as his registration is part-owned by a third party.

The Observer says United have offered Porto €20million (£15.5m) for the right-back, but, conscious that 20 per cent of any fee will be paid to his agent, Rui Neno, the Portuguese champions want €30m.

A deal is expected to be agreed before Bosingwa represents Portugal at Euro 2008, but United will be required to buy the player in full to comply with statutes due to be formally introduced in the close season.