Manchester United are reported to be on the verge of launching a bid for Dundee United teenager Ryan Gauld.

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder was watched by David Moyes’ scout Jimmy Lumsden as he made his Scotland Under-21 debut against Georgia last week.

Scouts from Newcastle, Liverpool and Everton were also at the game, while Real Madrid have watched the Aberdeen-born youngster in the past.

Gauld, nicknamed the ‘mini Messi’, is set to spark a tug of war among some of Europe’s top clubs when the transfer window reopens.

The Sunday People reports that United are edging closer to bidding for the wonderkid.

Gauld is rated at around £5m by Dundee United and he will be allowed to leave Tannadice if that valuation is met.