Man Utd close to bidding for Scotland`s `mini Messi` Ryan Gauld

London: Manchester United has increased speculation that they are on the verge of a bid for Dundee United wonder-kid Ryan Gauld.

According to the Mirror, the 17-year-old attacking midfield star, dubbed the `mini Messi` in Scotland, is one of the hottest teenagers in Europe and has even been watched by Real Madrid. Aberdeen-born Gauld is on United`s radar and United boss David Moyes sent trusted aide Jimmy Lumsden to watch the youngster making his debut for Scotland`s Under-21s against Georgia last week, the report said. Scotland drew 1-1 and Gauld, also watched by scouts from Newcastle, Liverpool and Everton, played the entire game, the report added. The Tannadice club knows they have a diamond on their hands and will cash in if their valuation of around 5 million pounds is met.