Manchester United intensify pursuit of Douglas Costa - report

Manchester United are to step up their pursuit of Brazil Under-20 international Douglas Costa, according to a report from the Daily Mirror.

A reported £20 million deal for the player never materialised at Old Trafford in the summer, but the Gremio winger's price tag has been halved by his club as they are in financial difficulties.

A left-sided wide player, Costa has been compared to Lionel Messi and could be the long-term successor to Ryan Giggs at Old Trafford.

He was one of the stars of the Brazil side who finished runners-up in October's Under-20 World Cup.