RIGHT BACK

Last updated : 03 February 2004 By editor

Manchester United's presence at Porto's recent fixtures has led to speculation in the local media that the Premiership champions are following the progress of promising full back Paulo Ferreira.

United have been scouting their UEFA Champions League opponents ahead of the two-legged tie with last season's Uefa Cup winners, but some sources are claiming the Old Trafford representatives have been particularly impressed with Ferreira's form.

One report has claimed that United are compiling a dossier on the right-sided defender ahead of their next review of transfer purchase options in the summer.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been credited with an interest in other right backs over the past year, including Ajax's Hatem Trabelsi.