Last Updated: Mon, 03 Dec 2012 10:22
Manchester United are again being linked with a swoop for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Oscar de Marcos after he was watched by scouts.
The 23-year-old Spanish ace was initially linked with a move to Old Trafford towards the end of last season following two impressive displays against United as his club side dumped them out of the Europa League over two legs.
However, a summer raid never materialised as Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson snapped up Japanese playmaker Shinji Kagawa and Crewe Alexandra's Nick Powell to bolster his midfield options.
But with Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs in the twilight of their respective careers, it appears that Ferguson is looking to bring in more reinforcements next summer.
And the Mirror has reported that Ferguson's brother, Martin Ferguson, has been sent to watch Oscar in action this season following an impressive run of form with four goals and an assist to his name in 22 appearances for Bilbao.
The Spanish outfit have placed a £26million release clause on the head of Oscar, who is contracted to them until summer 2016, but that would not put off United should they want to sign him.
If Oscar does leave it would be a real blow for Bilbao given that defensive midfielder Javi Martinez departed to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in the summer, while striker Fernando Llorente is also poised to leave.
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