Manchester United Transfer News: Rafa Silva, Moussa Dembele, Latest Rumours

Manchester United have intensified their interest in Braga prodigy Rafa Silva after it was revealed Red Devils coach Louis van Gaal has had the player watched twice in one week. 

The Sun reported a number of Premier League clubs are "circling around" the exciting midfielder, but United have sent their scouts to watch the 22-year-old on two occasions "in the past week."

The youngster has already won five caps for Portugal and has returned 13 goals in 67 games for his club, according to the Sun.

Italian media outlet TuttoMercatoWeb (h/t Will Giles of Metro) linked United with a move for Silva at the end of last season, and a £15 million price tag was mooted. Liverpool were also in the race for the player at the time, but the change of manager at Anfield might have wavered their initial interest. 

However, football journalist Kristian Sturt confirmed West Ham United's interest in Silva, as reported by the Portuguese press:

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Football commentator Paul Sarahs recently complimented the player and spoke about Silva's function in the Braga side:

"

Rafa Silva is a beautiful player. Impressed with Braga on the ball and Slovan Liberec without it. So quick on the counter. 1-1. Good game.

— Paul Sarahs (@PaulSarahs) November 26, 2015"

Silva has been described as the "Portuguese Eden Hazard," as cited by the Mirror's Alex Crook, and would bring flair to a United side that lack creativity and guile.

The player is at a good age to make the next step of his development, but if Van Gaal opts to pass on the midfielder, a number of Premier League clubs will make their move.

Braga have been in the top echelons of the Primeira Liga table this season and have given Silva a great platform to display his talents. 

United are also keeping tabs on another prodigious talent and could make a move in January for Fulham's teenage striker Moussa Dembele.

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Alex Wood of the Daily Star said the 19-year-old—not to be confused with the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder of the same name—has been in great form for the Cottagers this term after signing in 2012 from Paris Saint-Germain. Van Gaal could move for the attacker in the new year, who has netted eight times for Fulham this season.

The Old Trafford giants have already plundered the west London club for the signing of DJ Buffonge, per the club's official website, and could add Dembele to their growing stock of talented teenagers. 

United's acquisition of Anthony Martial reaffirmed their commitment to youth, and both Silva and Dembele would be exciting additions to the Carrington set up. 

Van Gaal has always had faith in young players and has given them chances throughout his managerial career.

Silva has been on the radar for some time and would help United add a dynamic edge to the attacking midfield areas. 

The Red Devils have a solid base, as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin and Michael Carrick bring reassurance, but a flair player could thrive in front of them—if Van Gaal is willing to allow his creative players to shine.