Brazil Midfielder Eyes Dream Manchester United Move

Manchester United have been handed major boost in signing Liverpool target Everton Ribeiro after the Cruzeiro midfielder revealed his dream of play for the Premier League champions.

The Express reports that David Moyes has sent his scouts to Brazil to watch the attacking midfielder closely while United's league rivals, Liverpool have also been monitoring Ribeiro while in action for Cruzeiro.

The Brazilian outfit would be willing to allow the midfielder leave in January if the interested clubs are ready to match their €8m asking price. Despite expressing his desire to join United, Ribeiro claims he is looking to give his best for his current employers.

"I will continue doing my job here at Cruzeiro but plan on getting to a big club, it's a dream I've had since I was young, I've always liked Manchester United," Ribeiro told Sportv.

"I haven't talked with my agent yet. I asked him to talk only with Cruzeiro and let me focus here as I still have one more game to play and I want to end this league well," the Brazilian added.

Ribeiro joined Cruzeiro earlier in the year and has been a key member Marcelo Oliveira's side, which won the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A this season. The Express claims the midfielder scored five goals while managing eight assists in their title winning season.

The same report also claims the Brazilian has attracted interest from top clubs across Europe after scoring 43 goals during his spells at Corinthians, Sao Caetano, Coritiba and Cruzeiro.

Any move from United could see his compatriot, Anderson being dropped further down the order. The midfielder has started only two league games and was an unused substitute during the English champions' 2-2 draw against Cardiff City.

David Moyes is having a crisis in United's midfield with Michael Carrick ruled out with injury. Summer signing Marouane Fellaini is struggling to find form due to his wrist injury. The Belgium international will undergo surgery and that is likely to keep him out of action eight weeks.

Meanwhile, United could face competition from Liverpool for Ribeiro's signature. The Express reports Brendan Rodgers is looking to sign the Brazilian as a replacement for Iago Aspas. The Spaniard is likely to be shown the exit door in January after joining the Reds in the summer.

Should United manage to sign Ribeiro in January, it could give Moyes more options in the midfield. However, the arrival of the Brazilian is unlikely to please the club fans.