Ze Maria in United link
Sir Alex Ferguson has had scouts in Italy keeping tabs on experienced goalkeeper Oscar Cordoba, on loan at Perugia, but it has been South American star Ze Maria that has caught their eye.
The 28-year-old Ze Maria is a versatile full back, adept on either flank and often utilised as a wing back for his club.
With 26 caps for his country, the Brazilian would still face a battle for a work permit, but he has been in scintillating form for Perugia this season, neither missing a minute of play nor picking up a single yellow card.
Manchester United's defensive problems have been well documented, and with Denis Irwin likely to slip away from the first team as he enters the twilight of his career, purchases seem likely.
Ze Maria started his career at Brazilian minnows Sergipe but established his reputation with Portuguesa and then Flamengo.
After moving to Italian side Parma in 1996, Ze Maria slipped out of contention two seasons into his stay and was loaned to first Perugia and then Brazilian sides Palmeiras and Cruzeiros.
However, Ze Maria had done enough to impress the Perugia management and they brought the player back to the stadium in 2000, a place where he has since established himself as a firm fans' favourite.
