Manchester United are watching Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender. The People says United boss Louis van Gaal will have to go head-to-head with Arsenal , as boss Arsene Wenger has been a long-term fan of Bender and United's move will be a serious blow to the London club in their hunt for a defensive midfielder.

United's chief scout Jim Lawlor was at last week's Champions League clash between Bender's Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico Madrid. And United again had their top spies at the game with Freiburg.

Leverkusen are able to sell Bender this summer as they have cover themselves in the shape of Christoph Kramer.