Man United deny Quaresma link

Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz has dismissed as “pure speculation” claims linking the Old Trafford club with Sporting Lisbon prodigy Ricardo Quaresma.

United were reportedly keen to bring the 19-year-old Portuguese midfielder, who has been labelled ‘the new Luis Figo‘, to the Premiership when the transfer window re-opens in January.

But Queiroz has claimed the reports are not based on solid fact and insists his club have not made a move for the youngster.

“The news that has come to light on that matter is pure speculation. It does not have any foundation to be able to circulate,” Queiroz told Portuguese radio station TSF.

“I cannot make comments on this. What I can say is that the stories are pure speculation. When this club is interested in a player it announces this interest officially.”

Queiroz had tipped Quaresma, a versatile midfielder who can play in the centre or on the right, for a lengthy international career.

He narrowly missed out on making Portugal’s World Cup squad but helped Sporting win the Portuguese double last season and has scored two goals in 10 games so far this term.

His performances in the Portuguese SuperLiga this season have already alerted Real Madrid and Juventus.