Brazilian starlet Douglas Costa remains a target for Manchester United.

The Sunday Mirror says United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was strongly linked with a £20m move for the 19-year-old winger in the summer, but a deal was never finalised.

But Gremio, the youngster's club, are reported to be in financial difficulties and have let it be known that they would be willing to accept just half of the original demand.

Costa was one of the stars as Brazil finished runners-up in October's Under-20 World Cup. The left-winger has been compared to Lionel Messi but is stronger than the Argentine, and could be the long-term successor to Ryan Giggs.