Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal is looking to beat the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool to the signing of two promising youngsters to further boost his improving-with-every-game side.
Van Gaal has been tipped to go back into the January transfer window to strengthen his squad, and while several big names have been, and continue to be, linked, there is always the likelihood of the Manchester United manager bringing in quality young talent.
The two players who could make a move to Manchester United in January are Mateo Kovacic of Inter Milan and Cruzero's Lucas Silva.
Kovacic, who has been tipped for great things, is being linked with a move away from Inter Milan, who are contemplating a sale as doubts grow over whether the 20-year-old will sign a new contract to remain at the San Siro.
Inter Milan are currently struggling in the Serie A, and the Italian giants are desperate to create some funds to bring in a couple of targets, chief of them being Liverpool duo Lucas Leiva and Fabio Borini.
With Kovacic's future unsure, Inter Milan are ready to sell the player for £10 million, according to the Daily Express, despite paying around that figure to bring him from Dinamo Zagreb last year.
Kovacic is a versatile midfielder, most comfortable in the central midfield or deep-lying role, and Van Gaal will certainly relish working with the talented youngster.
However, with Liverpool and Arsenal also showing an interest, it will not be easy for Manchester United, if they do decide to make a bid for Kovacic in the January transfer window.
The second youngster in question – Lucas Silva – has been heavily linked with Premier League move of late, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal all interested in the Brazilian's services.
Lucas Silva's agent Luiz Rocha confirmed interest in his player both from the Premier League and Real Madrid.
"Representatives call and say they want to take him to Real Madrid or an English team," Rocha said of Lucas Silva, who has been dubbed the "new Kaka".
"It's always interesting to see that the big clubs in Europe are interested in the player. "This means that the job is well done.
"Lucas plays at the Brazilian champions and is one of the best players of Cruzeiro. We are pleased with the interest of big clubs."
With interest rising in their player, Cruzeiro have reportedly put a £12 million asking price on Lucas Silva, and that should not pose too many problems for Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea or Real Madrid.
