Man Utd scout Sergi Samper

Manchester United are reported to have kept a close eye on Barcelona youngster Sergi Samper.

The 20-year-old had been linked with a move to Arsenal over the summer after he failed to nail down a regular starting role at Camp Nou.

According to The Star, the Red Devils scouts had closely watched the young midfielder during Barca's 0-0 draw away at third-tier Villanovense in the Copa del Rey.

The report adds that Louis van Gaal's side had also monitored the progress of debutant Wilfrid Kaptoum.

Samper's current deal has a release clause of £8.5m.