Cruzeiro midfielder Lucas Silva's agent claims Manchester United have opened talks with the Brazilian outfit, with a view to snap up the youngster soon.
The 21-year-old is one of the most promising talents to have come out of South America of late, and has been dubbed "the new Kaka", after his impressive performances in the heart of Cruzeiro's midfield.
United scouts have watched Silva closely in recent weeks, according to the Metro. And the player's representative Luiz Rocha has now stated that there has been contact from the Red Devils' camp regarding a possible January move, though an official offer is yet to arrive.
"There aren't many details. I confirm I was contacted by people linked to Manchester United. There are no official bids. We are waiting," Rocha pointed out.
The report suggests Silva, who is also on Real Madrid's radar, might leave Cruzeiro in January if an offer of a "substantial sum" is tabled by any of the player's potential suitors.
Silva, who can operate as a central midfielder or a deep-lying playmaker, has won back-to-back Brasileirao titles with Cruzeiro, and is now understood to be open to a move away from his homeland.
Meanwhile, United defender Jonny Evans has admitted that his recovery from injury has taken longer than expected.
The Northern Ireland international has been out of action since September with a broken foot but has now come back from the treatment table, and played over an hour in the reserves' 5-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday.
"It's nice to get 60-odd minutes under my belt. It's been a long time coming. I didn't expect to be out this long so I'm pleased to get some minutes," Evans told the club website.
"I think the manager will have to assess [a first-team recall] and also the fitness coaches. I've been training for a week or two now but it's taking me time to get my fitness up as I've been out for so long."
