Sporting Lisbon insist Manchester United do not have an option on Miguel Veloso.

Veloso, who can play in central defence or midfield, is the latest starlet off the Sporting production line to be linked with a move to Old Trafford.

United are very close to Sporting, having signed Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani from them in recent seasons. But a spokesman for the club has denied that Veloso, or any of his team-mates - have been promised to United.

"Manchester United do not have a preference on him (Veloso) or any other players of Sporting Lisbon," he told Sky Sports.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is considering a £20 million bid for Veloso in January.