Manchester United could be looking to bid for Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho in January, according to reports in Portugal.
United were frustrated in their pursuit of midfielders during the summer transfer window as the club were only able to bring in Marouane Fellaini on transfer deadline day.
Reports from Portuguese paper A Bola claim that the Manchester club have been sending scouts to Lisbon games this season to keep an eye on the highly-rated 21-year-old.
The Portugal Under-21 international's contract with the club runs to 2018 and is thought to include a €45m (£38m) buyout clause for any clubs interested.
David Moyes and his men are looking to bounce back following their Premier League defeat to West Bromwich Albion last weekend as they face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.