Manchester United manager David Moyes is reportedly keeping tabs on Lazio midfielder Antonio Candreva, with hope fading over a summer swoop for Thiago Alcantara.
Moyes had made the Barcelona starlet his top transfer target, but the Spanish youth international is believed to prefer a reunion with Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich.
According to The Expresss the Scot views Candreva as a viable alternative after watching him play for Italy at the Confederations Cup, with the 26-year-old now firmly on United's radar thanks to his impressive showing for the Azzurri.
Candreva has also been linked with a move to Napoli and AC Milan during the close season, with the playmaker currently co-owned by Lazio and Udinese.
Since joining Lazio on loan in 2011 the attacking midfielder has made 49 Serie A appearances, scoring nine goals.