Manchester United Transfer News: Damiao, Anderson, Berardi and Boakye-Yiadom Involved in Latest Speculation

Manchester United could face familiar competition should they elect to pursue their reported interest in Internacional striker Leandro Damiao.

According to TalkSport, Manchester City are poised to enter the running for the Brazil international. Earlier this month, the Daily Mail claimed that Manchester United had held talks about the possibility of signing Damiao in the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old has long been linked with a move to the Premier League with Tottenham long-term suitors, while Liverpool were also thought to be interested toward the end of this summer's transfer window.

Damiao has emerged as a key player for Brazil and also finished as top scorer in the recent Olympic Games. While Internacional have long stated that they have no intention of selling Damiao, that stance may soften in the near future.

In recent months the Brazilian side have added two forwards to their squad in the form of former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan and Rafael Moura.

Damiao would still appear an unlikely target for United, however, following the recent big-money signing of Robin van Persie. If interest was pursued it would doubtless further recent speculation that Wayne Rooney's future at Old Trafford was in doubt.

United could raise funds for January purchases through sales, with reports claiming that midfielder Anderson could be available for transfer.

According to Goal.com, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has lost patience with the Brazilian and the club even held talks about selling him during the summer. Both Tottenham and Benfica have been linked with moves for the 24-year-old in recent times.

Anderson arrived for a reported £18 million in 2007 but injuries and inconsistent form have seen him fail to become established in the United lineup.

The Goal.com story quotes an alleged United source who states:

"Fergie has been waiting for Anderson to burst into life but it just doesn't look like it's going to happen because he's not got back on track since his cruciate knee ligament injury in 2010."

"He's definitely considered available for the right offer, but a young player on a long contract won't be sold on the cheap."

The latest speculation has also seen United linked to another young striker. A deal was recently confirmed for Chilean forward Angelo Henriquez and, according to the Daily Mirror, the club are monitoring another 18-year-old front man in Domenico Berardi.

The Italy Under-19 star is said to have impressed at Serie B side Sassuolo. The story claims that Ferguson has instructed his scouts to compile a dossier on Berardi ahead of a potential bid.

Another player currently at Sassuolo has claimed that he aspires to play for Manchester United in the future. Ghana international Richmond Boakye-Yiadom is currently on-loan from Juventus.

"I will go back to Juventus next season and fight for a regular place to be able to prove myself more," he told Graphic Sports. "My dream is to play in the English Premier League - hopefully Manchester United in the next few years, but I can end up in Chelsea or probably Arsenal."