Ferguson confirms Lucas Moura interest; Bayern make a check on Nigel De Jong

Ferguson confirms Lucas Moura interest

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has moved to confirm reports linking the Red Devils with a move to Sao Paulo star Lucas Moura.

The Brazilian international was repeatedly linked with Real Madrid and Inter, but it appears Manchester United have moved to the front of the queue.

Sir Alex Ferguson has now confirmed that United are in talks with Sao Paulo over the talented youngster.

“We haven’t reached an agreement,” Ferguson told reporters in China, where the Red Devils are on a pre-season tour.

“We’ve shown interest. Until such time we reach an agreement, we can’t say he’s ours.”

The 19-year-old is currently with Brazil’s Olympic squad in England, with the Seleccao chasing their first ever Olympic gold.

Moura is widely regarded as one of the most talented players in world football and despite his fragile age he is already considered a first team regular at Brazil national team.

Even so, there are no guarantees he would be able to fulfill his potential at Old Trafford should United reach an agreement with his current club.

Bayern make a check on Nigel De Jong

Bayern Munich have made an enquiry into the availability of Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong, De Telegraaf understands.

The Bavarians are in the market for a new defensive midfielder and they attempted to sign Athletic Bilbao star Javi Martinez.

However, after the La Liga side refused to lower the €40 million asking price, the Bundesliga outfit decided to pursue other targets.

According to De Telegraaf, Bayern Munich have turned their attention to Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong.

The Dutch international is unhappy with his status at Etihad Stadium and he wants to leave the Citizens in search of first team football.

Given that his contract expires in a year’s time, the Premier League champions have got to sell him now, that is if they want to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.

Bayern are also tracking Bayer Leverkusen youngster Lars Bender, but De Jong appears to be cheaper and more experienced alternative to the German international.

Roma defender attracted by Benfica

Roma full-back Jose Angel has confessed he is tempted by the reported interest from Benfica.

The Eagles are actively searching for a new left-back after their target Marcos Rojo opted to join rivals Sporting Lisbon instead.

The Portuguese giants have since turned their attention to Roma defender Jose Angel, who says he is aware of the interest.

“On the possibility of joining Benfica, all I know is from the press,” the Spaniard told Record.

“Neither Roma informed me of the existence of anything, nor have I been contacted by anyone connected to Benfica.”

However, the 22-year-old admits he would be interested in joining Benfica should the Eagles attempt to sign him.

“Benfica are a great club and it would be very important to me.”

Jose Angel has endured a difficult first season at Roma, following a €4.5 million move from Sporting Lisbon, and he was part of a defence that conceded 54 goals in 38 Serie A games.

The player hasn’t quite managed to adapt to the Italian championship after impressing in Spanish La Liga, but playing in Portuguese Liga Sagres would prove a much easier task.

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2012/13 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.

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