Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal reportedly sent a scout to watch last week's Europa League group encounter between Basel and Fiorentina, which ended in a 2-2 draw at St Jakob-Park.

According to Swiss outlet Blick, the main subject of interest for Van Gaal was Fiorentina's 30-year-old midfielder Borja Valero.

The Spaniard, who had a previous three-year stint with West Bromwich Albion, is contracted to the Serie A outfit until 2019.

However, the report adds that the United boss was also eager to gain some further information on Basel's young winger Breel Embolo.

Recent speculation has suggested that the 18-year-old is also a target of North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as European champions Barcelona.