Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson scouts Atletico Madrid keeper David De Gea

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson flew in person to check up on Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea last night, according to a report from The Daily Mirror.

The Scot missed United's League Cup win at Scunthorpe to ostensibly go and watch Valencia, the Red Devils' next Champions League opponents. But that was apparently a cover story to also allow him to check out De Gea, according to The Mirror.

United have been watching the 19-year-old for some time now as they look for a successor to Edwin van der Sar.

It is reported that Feguson believes that Atletico could be ready to sell the promising shot-stopper, after missing out on deals for Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero in the summer. United are apparently keen to move quickly in order to foil other pontential suitors, with a £12 million fee seen as enough to tempt the Spaniards to part with the youngster, who won the Europa League with los Colchoneros last term.

The United board are also believed to be ready to sancton the move as the player's value would only increase whilst he was with the club.