Ruben Amorim's scouting mission sees Man Utd manager step up chase for familiar pair
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has reportedly instructed scouts to cast their eye over FC Porto stars Francisco Moura and Samu Aghehowa after coming up against the duo during his Sporting Lisbon days
by Oli Gamp · The MirrorManchester United boss Ruben Amorim is reportedly stepping up his interest in two Portugal-based forwards after the club sent scouts to watch Porto stars Francisco Moura and Samu Aghehowa last week.
The Portuguese is up and running at Old Trafford after registering back-to-back wins over Bodo/Glimt and Everton and will now be eager to bolster his side in January to ensure the squad has enough quality to keep up their momentum.
According to the Daily Mail, Amorim has already instructed scouts to cast their eye over two Porto players he has come up against in the past during his Sporting Lisbon days.
United scouts are said to have watched Moura and Aghehowa - who recently changed his last name from Omorodion in homage to his mother - during Porto's 2-0 win over Amorim's old side Casa Pia in the Portuguese Primeira Liga on Monday night.
Aghehowa came close to joining Chelsea this summer after seeing a move to Stamford Bridge collapse at the last minute. The Blues had agreed a £35million move for the player, who was then at Atletico Madrid.
He has gone from strength to strength since finalising the move to Porto and United know him well after he scored twice against them during Porto's 3-3 draw with the Red Devils in a Europa League clash earlier this season.
Porto left-back Moura started the game too and played the full 90 minutes and now United could be ready to make a bid for the two players, who both joined the club in the summer transfer window.
However, the report adds that United won't be able to make a "roaring trade" for new signings next month and instead these are weeks for Amorim to do crucial "intel gathering".
United's desire for a new forward and left-back has been well documented. The club signed Joshua Zirkzee for around £53m but the team have struggled to score goals this season, while left-back has been a problem area after losing Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia to long-term injuries.
Amorim has also been strongly linked with bringing Gyokeres to Old Trafford after his incredible season last year that saw him net 43 goals from 50 appearances.
However, the coach insisted he would not raid his old side in January and may have to wait until next season if he wants to sign the Swedish star, who is said to have an £83m release clause.
Aghehowa would not be a bad alternative. He's already blitzed 13 goals from just 16 appearances in all competitions for Porto, building on his last season on loan at Alaves when he scored eight times from 35 outings.
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