Manchester United are targeting Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare with the Red Devils even prepared to make a bid “as early as this week” according to the Express.

Scouts from the Manchester club were said to be in the stands when Lille faced Dijon in the league yesterday evening. They wouldn’t have been impressed by what they saw, though, with the 20-year-old being sent off midway through the second half in a 1-0 defeat.

Even so, Soumare is a player in high demand with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Real Madrid all reportedly interested in the France Under 21 international.

United’s pursuit of Soumare comes off the back of reports that they are looking to seal a deal for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

Claims in Portugal suggest a bid has been made for the 25-year-old, with a meeting between officials of both clubs said to have been held on Friday. It is believed more talks will take place this week about completing the transfer.