Last Updated: Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:41
Manchester United have switched their attention to Porto winger James Rodriguez after Nicolas Gaitan's slump in form.
The Reds have watched Rodriguez, 20, four times in the past two and a half weeks and may be ready to launch a serious bid to land the Colombian in the summer.
United were expected to move for Benfica's Gaitan after he impressed in both games against them in the Champions League group stages.
Reports had suggested that Portuguese super agent Jorge Mendes had brokered a £25million deal, thought to be a bargain because it was more than £10million less than the Argentine's release clause fee.
But the ex-Boca Juniors starlet's form has dipped to the point that he is no longer the one being watched with Rodriguez impressing United with his vision and decision making in the final third of the field.
Sir Alex Ferguson is on the lookout for a naturally left-footed winger and Rodriguez could now be the latest heir to Ryan Giggs' famous number 11 shirt - a jersey no-one else has worn for nearly 15 years.
Bayern Munich are also said to be interested in Rodriguez, who could cost in excess of £28million, but Inter and Paris St Germain - who also scouted Porto's win over Braga, were understood to be watching Hulk.
The big two clubs in Spain are not expected to join the bidding with Real Madrid happy with Angel di Maria and Barcelona bringing through Cristian Tello.
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