Exclusive: Agent of Rasmus Elm Comments on 'Flattering' Manchester United Rumour

The agent of rumoured Manchester United target Rasmus Elm claims he is still awaiting official confirmation from Sir Alex Ferguson regarding the Red Devils' interested in the AZ Alkmaar playmaker.

The 23-year-old's representative, Patrick Mork, told the International Business Times UK that he is more than aware of the speculation regarding Manchester United's admiration for the Swedish international, but intimated there was nothing more concrete than the current press conjecture.

Manchester United have been widely reported to have had the impressive Eredivisie player watched on countless occasions this season, and reports in December actually claimed Ferguson had already concluded a deal for Elm.

Contrary to those reports, Elm's agent claimed Manchester United have not made their rumoured interest official but he did suggest the association with the Premier League giants was hugely "flattering". Mork also intimated Elm would be interested in a move and "is not closing any doors".

"No, I am still waiting for Sir Alex (Ferguson) to call me." Mork told the IBTimes UK, when asked about interest from Manchester United.

"There has been talk about Manchester United's interest for months, but I have not heard anything from them.

"It's too much rumours at the moment, so there really isn't very much to say."

When asked whether or not Alkmaar would be willing to sell the patently gifted playmaker in the January transfer window, Mork replied: "It's always a combination that AZ have to be satisfied with the offer and that the player has to be willing to go.

"Rasmus is very open and is not closing any doors. He doesn't have any preference for clubs. Of course it's flattering when clubs like (Manchester) United is mentioned, but how big an interest they have, I don't know."

Manchester United's reported interest in Elm has significantly decreased in the last few weeks following Sir Alex Ferguson's successful attempt to coerce Paul Scholes out of retirement.

The 37-year-old made an unlikely return to first team action during the Manchester derby and with Tom Cleverley nearing a first team comeback, and Anderson recently back in the frame, Manchester United's perceived need for a midfielder has abated in recent weeks.

Despite the imminent return of Cleverley, Manchester United's midfield has been regularly cited as the club's Achilles' heel, and a host of names such as Luka Modric and Wesley Sneijder remain perennially associated with a move to Old Trafford.

Elm is valued anywhere between £10 million and £15 million depending on the source, and is expected to play a prominent role in next summer's European Championships with Sweden, when the Manchester United target will line up against England in the group stages.

In addition to attracting the attentions of Manchester United, the player has also been coveted by Serie A side Lazio.

Last week, Mork suggested his client would welcome a move to one of Europe's top leagues, suggesting the "the best footballer in the Eredivisie" would have no problem adapting to the Premier League.

"He is currently the best footballer in the Eredivisie. This competition is an excellent stepping stone to the big European leagues, like the Premier League." Mork told the Metro whilst discussing the alleged Manchester United target. "Rasmus is looking for a league and club that is at the highest level."

Although Manchester United's injury concerns in midfield have improved of late, Sir Alex Ferguson appears resigned to losing one of his brightest young talents, Ravel Morrison. The Scot confirmed the Red Devils have rejected a bid from Newcastle in his press-conference on Friday, but the 18-year-old's future at Old Trafford looks increasingly uncertain.