Manchester United plan move for £24m Portuguese star

Manchester United are pursuing Benfica striker as Nelson Oliveira, it has been claimed, although the Portugal striker is also a target for Chelsea and Manchester City.

The 21-year-old is currently on loan with Deportivo la Coruna and has scored twice in four La Liga appearances for the Spanish club, with his form seemingly attracting the attention of the Premier League's elite.

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United have declared an interest in the Portuguese, who has a £24 million release clause written into his contract with Benfica.

Oliveira has drawn comparisons to Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero due to his style of play but, at 6ft1, the former is able to contribute more frequently in the air.

The need for forward reinforcements would not appear to be of great concern for Sir Alex Ferguson, who already has Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez to call upon.

Ferguson is, however, reported to be monitoring Oliveira's situation with great interest, along with City, Chelsea and Spanish duo Real Madrid and Barcelona.