Manchester United and Real Madrid are going head-to-head for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso.

A Bola says Real and United are scrambling to outbid eachother for the Portugal international, with both clubs determined to clinch an agreement before the January market opens.

United remain favourites from Real, however, courtesy of their close relationship with Sporting. United already have former Sporting stars Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo on their books.