http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=417364&CPID=99&clid=255&lid=4161&ti tle=United+check+on+Sporting+starlets
Quote:
Manchester United are understood to be keeping a close eye on the progress of a number of the talented young crop of players at Sporting Lisbon.
Reports in the Portuguese press claim that United despatched a scout to Lisbon last weekend to take in Sporting's league clash with Pacos de Ferreira.
Sporting actually slipped to a 1-0 home reverse in the match, but United's intended targets all got a run-out.
The Premiership outfit were believed to be running the rule over centre back Miguel Veloso (20), midfielder Joao Moutinho (20, pictured), left winger Nani (19) and striker Djalo (20).
Veloso, Moutinho and Nani all played the full 90 minutes, while Djalo was summoned from the bench at half time as Sporting searched for a goal.
All four of the quartet have come through Sporting's youth system, a production line that also developed the skills of current United star Cristiano Ronaldo.
United have a good relationship with the Portuguese club, especially following the transfer of Ronaldo, and are now looking to ensure they are at the head of the queue for any emerging stars.
However, they are not the only club monitoring Sporting's latest batch of prospects with, unsurprisingly, Chelsea and European champions Barcelona also keeping up to speed with developments at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Chelsea director of football Frank Arnesen has also visited the Portuguese capital this season to make a personal check on Sporting's youngsters, while Barca - who along with Chelsea are known to be chasing Porto's highly-rated Brazilian teenager Anderson - are keeping tabs as well.
Sporting have refused to comment on the speculation, with a spokesperson stating: "No club has contacted us on this subject."
Personally I've never heard of these players, except moutinho who seemed to be really highly rated in FM. As such, we should go all out for moutinho.
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