Athletic Bilbao star Oscar de Marcos is wanted by Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Mirror says highly-rated De Marcos will be watched by United's chief scout Jim Lawlor after boss Sir Alex Ferguson's brother Martin looked at him last week.

De Marcos - 23 later this month - has been an all-action revelation under coach Marcelo Bielsa and scored in both legs against United in the Europa League showdowns.

United saw enough of De Marcos in those games to increase their interest and the follow-up trips point to an offer for him in the summer.