Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keeping a watching brief on Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

United assistant manager Mike Phelan confirmed their interest in the young Dutchman last month.

A Bola says United scouts were in the stands for Sporting's 2-0 win at Feirense on the weekend, with Van Wolfswinkel scoring from the penalty spot.

Joining the United reps were scouts from PSV Eindhoven, AS Monaco, Saint-Etienne, Sochaux and Parma, Genoa and Novara.