Manchester United Considering Approach for French Teenage Star - Report

Manchester United are considering a summer move for Saint-Etienne defender Kurt Zouma.

The 18-year-old has impressed in France, making 32 Ligue 1 appearances over the last two seasons, and, according to the Telegraph, Sir Alex Ferguson has identified the young centre-back as a top target, with the long-term future of veterans Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand uncertain.

The report claims a transfer of around £10m is possible in this window, if both clubs agree on a loan-back arrangement that will see Zouma finish the remainder of this season in Ligue 1. United's local rivals, Manchester City, are also understood to be interested in the France U19 star.

The Independent reports the Red Devils have been keeping tabs on the defender since last season and Ferguson's brother, Martin, watched Zouma in Saint-Etienne's match against Lille last week.

Zouma has just 18 months left on his contract with the French outfit and his performances have seen him offered an extension by the club, who are keen to hold on to their prized asset.

The reports say United are also monitoring long-time target and Benfica defender Ezequiel Garay and have sent scouts to Portugal to watch him in action.

Macheda Joins Stuttgart on Loan

Meanwhile, United have confirmed striker Federico Macheda has completed his loan move to Stuttgart for the rest of the season.

The 21-year-old has failed to break into the United first team this season, with Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Chicharito all above him in Ferguson's pecking order.

"I have followed the Bundesliga and naturally know about Stuttgart. I am glad that I can now play for the club. For me, it is about getting to know the team and what I can bring because we have a lot of interesting games in three different competitions in front of us," the Italian told the club website.

Macheda joined the United academy from Lazio in 2007. He has previously spent loan stints at Sampdoria and QPR.