Manchester United in Talks Over Move for Brazilian Starlet Lucas Silva

The agent of Brazilian starlet Lucas Silva has confirmed he has been in contact with Manchester United over a possible transfer deal.

The Cruzeiro midfielder has emerged as a target for the Premier League side who have been frustrated in their attempts to bolster their squad this summer.

Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera and Marcos Rojo have all arrived at Old Trafford since Louis van Gaal took the reins, but the club's wafer-thin options in the centre of the park suggest another midfielder is a must before the transfer window closes in 11 days.

Chelsea have also been rumoured to be interested in 21-year-old Silva while Inter Milan have also enquired about his availability. However, speaking to Brazilian news outlet Super Esportes, the midfielder's agent Luiz Rocha insisted there have been no formal offers for his client yet.

"There are not many details. I can confirm that I was approached by people linked to Manchester United and Inter Milan," Rocha said.

"There is official proposal. We are waiting."

Silva, who was recently called into Brazil's Under-21 squad, represented his country at the Toulon Tournament earlier this summer. The midfielder scored what turned out to be the winner in his country's clash with England en route to winning the championship.

Despite the arrival of Spaniard Herrera at Old Trafford, Van Gaal still finds himself bereft of central midfield options, a problem that afflicted his predecessors David Moyes and Sir Alex Ferguson. The Dutchman is currently without Michael Carrick for at least another eight weeks after the 33-year-old underwent ankle surgery in July.

Marouane Fellaini is also sidelined and was pictured leaving Manchester's Bridgwater hospital this week on crutches with his foot encased in a protective boot. The much-maligned Belgian could also still leave the club before the window closes, with Napoli credited with keen interest.

Herrera and vice-captain Darren Fletcher started in the club's season opening loss to Swansea on Saturday, while Fellaini was the only central midfield option on the bench.