Manchester United are actively discussing a move for Aussie whizkid Daniel de Silva this summer.

The 16 year-old midfielder has already made a first team debut for his native Perth Glory and shone for Australia in the 1-1 draw with Colombia for their opening U20 World Cup game.

New United boss David Moyes is well aware of De Silva, having tried to bring the teen to former club Everton, only for UK work permit laws to scupper the deal. De Silva subsequently signed for Perth and quickly moved through the system to make his debut as a 15 year-old in March.

Moyes and his chief scout Robbie Cooke, whose move to United will be confirmed in the coming days, haven't forgotten about De Silva and were delighted to see him start against Colombia on the weekend.

De Silva is the youngest player at this month's U20 World Cup in Turkey and getting himself on the scoresheet against Colombia only strengthens the prospect of him winning a UK permit in the 'exceptional talent' category.

An international scout working for Italian clubs, though well aware of the UK's tricky work permit laws, told tribalfootball.com: "Certainly, the performance and goal from the boy strengthens his hand. Being from Asia, any interested Premier League clubs could point to Ryo Miyaichi. Arsenal were able to secure a work permit for the Japanese as an 'exceptional talent' and this was without any type international record.

"The fact he has scored and is the tournament's youngest player is a big argument in his favour."

United scouts have discussed De Silva at length, likening him to their 18 year-old Norwegian prodigy Mats Daehli, whose development will be accelerated next season, so making room for the Aussie teen in their system.

Along with United, Everton are sure to try again with new manager Roberto Martinez no doubt brought up-to-speed on the nimble No10 by the likes of Kevin Sheedy and Alan Irvine on his academy staff.

De Silva and Australia's next outing is later today against El Salvador.