Old Trafford side preparing to make move for Brazilian midfielder.
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Manchester United are set to rekindle their interest in Shakhtar Donetsk’s Douglas Costa.
The Brazilian midfielder has been in impressive form for the Ukrainian side and has put in a number of accomplished performances in the Champions League.
Costa was first recommended to the Premier League leaders when he was still playing for Gremio in his native Brazil. The club’s South America scout John Toulmin recommended the player as a potential replacement for the ageing Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.
At the time, United were reported to have been considering making a £20 million bid for the player but had to put the deal on hold when it became apparent Costa would be unlikely to gain a work permit.
The player instead moved to Ukrainian side Shakhtar but United look set to return for the player as they now believe they are likely to have more chance with the player’s Home Office application.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to bring in reinforcements in the midfield after finding himself lacking in options out wide. Costa’s preferred role is in a creative position in the middle of the park but the Brazilian has the versatility to also play on the left-wing.
Arsenal are reported to have made a bid for the player last summer and it is unclear whether the Gunners would look to compete with the Premier League leaders for the player’s signature.