Manchester United: Louis van Gaal sends chief scout Jim Lawlor to watch Lazio star Felipe Anderson

Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their interest in midfielder Felipe Anderson after having him watched during Lazio's game against Verona on Sunday.

According to the Daily Mail, United's chief scout Jim Lawlor was in the crowd for the Serie A side's game to check on the highly-rated Brazilian midfielder, who has been turning heads with his performances this season.

Anderson has been impressive for Lazio this season and has already scored 10 goals thus far this campaign from midfield. The club have rewarded the Brazilian U21 international for his performances with a new and improved contract that will keep him in Italy until the summer of 2020.

Apart from the Red Devils, Premier League rivals Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool have also made their interest known and are keen on securing the services of the Brazilian, who is said to be best friends with Barcelona star Neymar.

Lawlor, who was primarily there to give the manager a report on Anderson is said to have also run the rule over Lazio's Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij, who is also said to have impressed the Old Trafford club's hierarchy.

The Dutchman was a key part of Louis van Gaal's 2014 World Cup squad and his impressive performance during the summer tournament also saw him make an appearance in the team of the tournament along with compatriot Arjen Robben.

The report claims that, apart from the Lazio duo, the Red Devils are also monitoring Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi, who has been a rock for the Spanish club this season in their quest to qualify for the Champions League.

However, United will have to match the defender's release clause, which is set at £37m ($55m), to have any chance of signing him during the summer transfer window.