Transfer Rumour Rater: Ryan Gauld to Manchester United in the January Window

Recent weeks have seen Dundee United sensation Ryan Gauld earn plaudits as the new "Mini Messi" of Scottish football, but the Premier League big guns are really starting to step up their interest in the youngster.

The Mirror's Ed Malyon says that scouts from Manchester United and other Premier League outfits were on hand to see the 17-year-old assist no less than four goals in his side's 4-1 drubbing of Partick Thistle this weekend.

However, it seems the teenager will be no easy recruit, with Malyon writing:

"Aberdeen-born Gauld has attracted interest from Real Madrid thanks to his impressive attacking displays, and the Tannadice club are demanding £6million to part with one of Europe’s hottest young properties."

United are known to be fans of signing players in their teens, but to spend as much as £6 million on one so young could be a risk.

The wide man is already taking a firm grasp of first-team matters at Dundee United and recently made his debut for the Scottish Under-21s team.

Should David Moyes convince his club to pull out the chequebook for his young countryman? Let us know in the poll above, and keep an eye on Bleacher Report for updates on the move.