Manchester United move to shock AC Milan with Ganso offer

Manchester United have joined the transfer battle for Santos star Paulo Henrique Ganso.

The People says United hope to steal a march on their rivals by striking a deal now to take the attacking midfielder when the Club World Cup ends later this year.

Officially, Santos rate Ganso at £45million, although an agreement has been reached between his agent and the Brazilian outfit which could see him leave for around £25m. Sources close to the player say he would prefer a move to Italy which would put AC Milan in the box seat.

But the San Siro giants do not have the financial clout to take on United if they decide to press the deal home.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson's scouts have sent exciting reports back from Brazil, while United stars Anderson, and brothers Fabio and Rafael Da Silva have all sung the praises of their compatriot as well as another South American in the United ranks, Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia.