United eyeing Recoba swoop

The Uruguayan ace is out of favour under Argentine coach Hector Cuper at the San Siro and is said to want to leave the club because of his lack of first team opportunities.

Recoba has largely been an unused substitute this season and he has spoken of his frustration at a lack of first team action.

It promises to be a big season for Recoba with the World Cup approaching in the summer and he does not want to jeopardise his chances of making Carlos Pua's squad for the event.

United are keen to add to their attacking options and are in talks with West Ham over a move for Italian maverick Paolo di Canio. The clubs have so far failed to agree terms, and United have insisted they will look elsewhere if they fail to agree terms soon.

The Red Devils want to add to their squad ahead of the Champions League deadline for registering new players and they will not want to waste time negotiating with The Hammers if there are other alternatives available.

Recoba would be eligible for the Champions League as Inter failed to qualify for the tournament and he fits the bill as Sir Alex Ferguson looks for someone to fulfil the deep lying attackers role behind Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy.

It is believed Inter would be willing to do business at around ‚é¼10 million (£6 million) although The Red devils may explore the prospect of a loan deal for the player, who has just 144 minutes action behind him this season.

United are also being linked with a move for one of Uruguay's brightest prospects, Ruben Olivera.

The rising star of Uruguayan football is being tracked by many of Europe's top clubs, but United and Inter are both strongly being linked with a move for him.

Olivera, 18, has already featued for the National side and scored in last years Copa America tournament.