Manchester United are reportedly monitoring the progress of young Rayo Vallecano forward Leo Baptistao, with a host of other clubs also interested, ESPN reports.

United are said to be the latest club to join the race to sign the Brazilian youngster who has risen to prominence this season with Rayo Vallecano, scoring six times as well as providing five assists in the league for his side who sit seventh in La Liga.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, representatives from Liverpool, QPR, Leeds, and Brighton were also spotted at Vallecano's 3-1 win over Getafe on Monday to take a closer look at the player who produced another impressive display.

Baptistao is one of the most highly rated young players in La Liga and has stood out at the Estadio Teresa Rivero for his side this season, and it is believed that the 20-year-old would cost no more than in the region of £6million.

Spanish radio station Cadena Cope last week reported that the striker had already agreed a deal with Atletico Madrid to sign for them in the summer, but this remains speculation.

Vallecano are said to be reluctant to let him leave for such a low fee, but his contract which ends in 2015 has a reported €8 million release clause.

United already have a wealth of forward options with the likes of Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck at the club, but at such a snip, Ferguson may feel that Baptistao is worth a gamble.

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