Scouting Manchester United Transfer Target Everton Ribeiro

Manchester United's search for playmaking depth has taken them to Brazil, where they hope to have found a little bit of magic in the form of Everton Ribeiro.

Something of a late bloomer at 24, Ribeiro was an integral part of Cruzeiro's title-winning season in 2013 and has hinted he would entertain a move to Old Trafford in January.

In a recent interview with Sportv (as per Sky), Ribeiro admitted that while he had yet to set his heart on a specific move, he had "always liked Manchester United."

Cruzeiro are thought to want at least €8 million for his signature, although the Belo Horizonte outfit controls just 60 percent of the player's economic rights, with the other 40 percent held by his agent.

In the event they land Ribeiro, the Red Devils would be getting a player capable of playing on either flank as well as through the middle in a supporting role to the centre-forward. In recent matches, he has operated from the right-hand side of the pitch, but he is not an out-and-out winger and can offer the sort of versatility so common in the modern South American attacker.

United have had scouts at Cruzeiro matches this month, although the presence of Liverpool and Fiorentina representatives suggest there could be a bidding war for the former Brazil Under-20 international.

Against Ponte Preta on November 17, Ribeiro both took the in-swinging corner that allowed Souza to equalize and set up Vinicius Araujo for the match-winner with a sublime, left-footed toe poke following a good move from the left.

His 11 assists lead the Brazilian Serie A with two matches remaining, and he has contributed 15 goals in all competitions this season. He also commits himself on the defensive side of the ball with regularity and has made 20 interceptions this term. (Statistics courtesy Squawka.)

In a Saturday interview with Lance! (as per Tribal Football), Ribeiro's agent, Robson Ferreira, revealed he had already turned down offers from clubs in Eastern Europe and Qatar.

"We are going to avoid intermediary markets," he said. "If Cruzeiro accept to sell him, it will be better for him to play with a big European team."

But could Everton Ribeiro actually make an impact at Manchester United?

That Cruzeiro are apparently willing to listen to offers ahead of what could end up being a promising Copa Libertadores campaign is telling, and then there is the fact that after stints at Corinthians, Sao Caetano and Coritiba, it has taken until now for him to really make a name for himself.

That said, if the price is right, he could still represent a low-risk acquisition, and given his age, he should be mature enough to handle a cross-Atlantic move.

Verdict: Decent value at €8 million, potential to be more impactful than Ashley Young, but a club in Portugal or Italy might be a more appropriate destination.

Follow @jerradpeters