Manchester United keeping Tabs on Italian Hotshot – Report

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has asked his team of scouts to pay close attention to Sassulo striker Domenico Berardi.

The 18-year-old currently plies his trade in second division of Italian football, but has represented Italy at Under-19 level and has clearly caught the eye of Ferguson.

A report in the Daily Mirror states that Ferguson has asked his Italian scouts to put together a document on the player as he considers whether to make an official offer in January.

Berardi has only played two games this season and scored one goal, however, this seems enough to earn the attention of Manchester United.

The Serie B side have won the first three games of the season and currently sit top of the league as they look to earn promotion to the top flight.

Despite a limited amount of appearances, United scouts would have been able to watch the striker in action as he appeared for Italy Under-19's against Portugal on Tuesday night.

The Premier League runners-up have always attempted to sign the best young talent in world football and this summer managed to secure the signature of highly-rated Chilean forward Angelo Henriquez.

South and Central America has proved a valuable hunting ground for Manchester United with Javier Hernandez arriving from Mexico, while the Da Silva twins, Raphael and Fabio, were signed from Brazil when still in their teens.

Ferguson has previously looked to Italy as well, having convinced Federico Macheda to leave Lazio back in 2007 to join Manchester United.

United already have plenty of options in attack after recruiting Robin van Persie in the summer to supplement the likes of Wayne Rooney, Hernanez and Danny Welbeck.

However, Berardi would be viewed as a potential star of the future, should United decide to make an offer when the transfer window opens.