Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their interest in signing Brazilian attacker Lucas Lima in the January transfer window.

The 27-year-old midfielder has been with Santos in his home country for the last four years but his current contract is due to expire this December, therefore he will be a free agent by the time the window re-opens in the new year.

Lima’s agent Lucas Badia has recently claimed that the Red Devils are among a series of top European football heavyweights – along with Barcelona and Inter Milan to have made inquiries about the Brazil international, who scored 10 times in 107 appearances for Santos.

“Inter, Roma and Barcelona are keeping close tabs on Lucas, Manchester United want him,” Badia is quoted as saying by the Turkish newspaper Haberturk.

“I think we would be well suited to the Serie A but we will see. His contract ends on 31 December and there are many clubs interested but I am not sure what Santos is trying to do.

“Crystal Palace made a €15 million offer while Fenerbahce made a €20m bid but for some reason neither has been accepted.”

Lima was believed to be closing in on a move to La Liga giants Barcelona over the summer – but a deal failed to happen.