According to reports in Portuguese newspaper Record, Manchester United have upped their scouting of Desportivo Brasil midfielder Lucas Evangelista.
Lucas, 17, is one of several young Desportivo players for whom Manchester United hold an option to buy agreement and is considered to be the most promising, earning rave reviews for his performances at youth level.
As part of the agreement, the Brazilian youngsters make trips to Manchester twice-a-year for training and observation, with Record reporting that Ferguson was suitably impressed to order further observation.
Reports in recent days had linked the youngster with a trial at Belgian side Anderlecht, which it was thought might trigger the Red Devils to exercise their option. However, for the moment there are no further developments.
Lucas Evangelista had been rumoured to have been approached by Rio de Janeiro giants Fluminense earlier this year, after fine showings at the Copa São Paulo youth tournament. However, the player has thus far decided to remain at the São Paulo-based academy side.
