Sporting Lisbon defender Marcos Rojo has reportedly handed in a transfer request in a bid to secure a move to Manchester United.

A report in Portugal earlier today claimed that the Argentine international failed to turn up for training this morning following speculation that new United manager Louis van Gaal was keen on his services.

Further rumours have suggested that Sporting are only prepared to let the 24-year-old leave the club if the release clause in his contract is met, which is believed to be worth £15m.

However, Rojo has now attempted to force through the transfer by informing his Portuguese employers that he is eager to sign on at Old Trafford, according to Sky Sports News.

Rojo, who was a part of the Argentina squad that reached the final of this summer's World Cup, joined Sporting from Spartak Moscow in 2012.