Real Madrid reportedly sent scouts to Portugal this weekend to monitor Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho.

The Portuguese international is widely regarded as one of the best youngsters in European football, with his performances over the last 12 months drawing a host of interest.

Manchester United have been strongly linked with his services, but according to A Bola, Madrid scouted the 22-year-old in Sporting's 2-0 win over Gil Vicente at the weekend.

Carvalho has a contract with Sporting until 2018, while it is understood that his buyout clause is in the region of £38m.