United on Gilardino trail

The Under-21 striker has set Serie A alight this season with 17 goals, which has helped Parma emerge as serious contenders for a UEFA Champions League place - despite their precarious financial situation.

Gilardino, 21, is being increasingly linked with a move away from The Ennio Tardini and it seems that he may be moving on in the summer.

The player himself has insisted he wants to stay, but the club may be forced to part with their prized assets such as Gilardino, Matteo Ferrari and Daniele Bonera to raise funds.

United have now confirmed to Parma that they will be attending their match with Juventus on Sunday - and Gilardino will be the man under scrutiny.

Gilardino, though, will also have options to stay in Italy, and United would have to work very hard to lure the youngster to England.

Juventus are understood to be the most interested club in Serie A and some reports in recent days have insisted that Parma have already struck a deal with The Old Lady.

However, nothing official has been announced and United will run the rule over him on Sunday.