United chase Aurelio

Valencia full back Fabio Aurelio is reportedly a transfer target for Manchester United.

The under-fire Red Devils are aiming to bounce back from a troubled week and have been linked with a move for the Brazilian defender.

With Gabriel Heinze out for the season due to injury, United have struggled to replace the Argentinian's tenacity at left back.

Neither John O'Shea nor Kieran Richardson have convinced in the role, while Mikael Silvestre played in the position against Lille in midweek.

That has prompted suggestions Sir Alex Ferguson will look to make up for this discrepancy when the transfer window reopens in the New Year.

Aurelio is out of contract at Valencia at the end of the season and the Che are keen to retain the 26-year-old.

But Aurelio claims he also has an offer from United and is tempted by the prospect of heading to Old Trafford.

"My agent is taking the offer very seriously," Aurelio is quoted in the Daily Mirror.

"United are a great club and any player would want to join them."

The defender's availability for nothing at the end of the season could allow United to negotiate a cut-price deal with Valencia in January, if Ferguson follows through with his interest.