Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson continues to track the progress of Udinese defender Mehdi Benatia. United chief scout Martin Ferguson, Sir Alex's younger brother, was in the stands on the weekend to see Benatia in action against Parma last week.

Morocco international Benatia, 24, is flattered by the interest of United and is now considering his options in Udine.

Martin Ferguson has been a regular at Udinese games over the last 18 months, having spent last season tracking Alexis Sanchez before his summer switch to Barcelona.