Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that the former Premier League champions are interested in signing Brazilian prospect Lucas Moura.

The 19-year-old, who has been constantly linked with the Red Devils since the start of the summer transfer window, was the subject of reports this morning, which claimed that a £26m fee has been agreed between United and Sao Paulo.

While the Scotsman has revealed his interest in the forward, he has denied that both parties have come to an agreement over the sale of the Brazilian.

"We haven't reached an agreement for the player," BBC Sport quotes Ferguson as saying. "We've shown an interest but until such time a we get a deal agreed we can't say he's our player. We're not lying on our backsides doing nothing. We're trying hard to bring other players to the club."

Moura has netted 14 goals for Sao Paulo since making his debut for the South American club in 2010.