Manchester United Target Belgian Teen - Report

Manchester United have reportedly renewed interest in Anderlecht's teen striker David Henen, and the Mail believes Sir Alex Ferguson will launch a £3.5m bid in the summer.

The 16-year-old is contracted to the Belgian club till 2015. United approached Anderlecht last year as well, only to be rejected.

Scouts from the Old Trafford club were in attendance as the Anderlecht U19 side hammered Lokeren's youth team 5-1 on Tuesday; Henen scored twice. And, based on present form, it will probably not be very long before other European giants sit up and take notice.

Ferguson's move for the striker comes as a number of Europe's top clubs begin scouting for teenage talent, as they look to save on enormous transfer fees for established internationals. The soon-to-be implemented UEFA Financial Fair Play (FFP) norms will also be on United's minds - particularly with news the £150m sponsorship deal (to re-name the club's Carrington complex) with Aon is under investigation for fraud.

In addition, Ferguson will also be aware that a number of key players are approaching the end of their careers. Indeed, in the case of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, replacements, at least young players who can learn from the established legends, are urgently needed.

To that end, United have already signed midfielder Nick Powell and left-back Alexander Buttner and have also been linked to young Dutch midfielder Jordy Clasie.

Ferguson on Injuries

Meanwhile, SAF has revealed his first team is in good shape ahead of what will probably be a physically bruising trip to Stoke City. The Premier League leaders are 12 points clear of defending champions and arch-rivals Manchester City.

Ferguson confirmed centre-backs Nemanja Vidic, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling are all close to full fitness and have begun training. This should solve the club's defensive dilemmas. In addition, Scholes is also expected to return to training, after a knee problem. Unfortunately, winger Ashley Young remains sidelined, with a sore ankle.