Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has indicated the club are watching Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

United have been linked with a move for the young Dutchman after a string of great performances at Sporting this season.

The 22-year-old, who joined from Dutch side Utrecht in the summer for £5.5 million, has scored six goals in his first eight games.

This form has alerted clubs from all across Europe. He is now reportedly valued at £11 million

A host of clubs were credited with an interest in van Wolfswinkel prior to his move to Sporting. Phelan has revealed they are long-term admirers of the Dutch international.

"We have obviously known van Wolfswinkel for a long time," Phelan told Portuguese newspaper Record. "He is a young striker, very talented, who has been growing in the last few seasons."

"A club like Manchester United carefully follow many players all over the world."

The Daily Mail revealed United’s interest after they watched the Dutch striker score against Lazio in the Europa League tie on September 29.