Man U Sweating Another Portuguese Starlet

According to a report in today’s Guardian, Manchester United scouts have essentially moved into Lisbon’s Estadio Jose Alvalade, so enamored are they of Sporting’s Miguel Veloso. The defender/midfielder, who impressed at the U-21 European Championship this summer despite Portugal’s disappointing showing and recently won a spot in the full Portuguese national team, is an out-and-out stud, and will surely be going somewhere soon. But, really. Does it have to be Manchester?

Veloso has been in undeniably great form this season, seemingly having found his maturity at the ripe old age of 21, and has been equally successful in the BWIN Liga and the Champions League — he was utterly inescapable during his team’s home draw with Roma on the most recent matchday. Not surprisingly, he’s not gone unnoticed outside of Manchester: In just the past month or so, Arsenal, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Juventus have all been listed as eager suitors, so it’s likely his price will go a whole lot higher than the £10 million currently being quoted.

Man U have obvious connections both to Portugal and Sporting (Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo both starred at the club) and, as much as it hurts to admit it, probably should be considered front-runners for the youngster’s services. There is the issue, however, of United being incredibly deep at holding midfield, which is Veloso’s preferred position — I think the Man U haters among us are going to have to cling to his presumed desire to actually play as the best chance to keep him out of Sir Alex’s evil clutches.

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