Chelsea have sent scouts to monitor the progress of impressive young Dutch forward Ricky van Wolfswinkel, and are ready to do battle with Man Utd for the player's coveted signature.

Sporting Clube de Portugual signed the striker only last year from Utrecht, but an incredible start to the season in the Portuguese top flight has seen Ricky's valuation shoot up to 14m GBP.


Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has sent scouts to monitor the 22-year-old in action, and now Andre-Villas Boas' scouting network has been preparing a report.


7 goals in 9 league games has impressed many of Europe's biggest clubs, but Sporting are not interested in a sale and would command a fee that is as high as 20m GBP.