Manchester United Transfer Rumors: Red Devils Eyeing Young Brazilian Baptistao

Manchester United has reportedly taken interest in Leo Baptistao, Rayo Vallecano’s 20-year-old Brazilian striker.

Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly sent scouts to watch the youngster in his side’s 3-1 over Getafe last weekend, according to The Sun.

This may not be captivating current news, but the intrigue Baptistao proposes is certainly worth the speculation.

The Brazilian has also drawn interest from other Premier League clubs. According to The Sun, Liverpool, QPR, Leeds and Brighton scouts were also on hand during the weekend watching Baptistao.

Ferguson recently dispelled transfer rumors, claiming that no imminent deals are in the works, but that doesn’t stop the club from scouting potential future acquisitions, like Baptistao.

The only potentially viable deal that may go down involves Wilfried Zaha. Ferguson is reportedly close to agreeing to a £12 million deal that would bring the 20-year-old to Old Trafford, but he would finish the season on loan at Crystal Palace, according to Simon Johnson of the London Evening Standard (via ESPN).

Neither Zaha nor Baptistao would fill an immediate need for the Red Devils.

The club is currently sitting comfortably atop of the Premier League table, enjoying great success with its current crop of strikers.

Reinforcing talent with more talent by planning ahead and filling gaps now, rather than later, is what keeps Ferguson’s United side at the top of the standings.

That’s exactly what Baptistao is, too.

The 20-year-old forward has punched in seven goals in 17 La Liga appearances this season on 2.4 shots per game on goal. He’s definitely gained the confidence of his club and is increasing his effectiveness on the pitch.

That effectiveness is due to his activity with the ball and eye for finding openings in defenses. Whether he’s scoring or creating with his ball skills, Baptistao is always heavily involved in his club’s attack.

There is potential for him to be a top scorer and forward at the top flight level, and he would definitely realize that as a member of the United side.