Manchester United have been keeping close tabs on Sporting Lisbon defender Merih Demiral who is currently on loan at Super Lig outfit Alanyaspor.

A source close to the player revealed to Turkish-Football that United have been scouting Demiral.

The Red Devils have a long-term interest in the 20-year-old defender stretching back to his time in Portugal.

The young centre-back has been one of the highest rated players in the league this season.

The statistics site Whoscored rate Demiral as the second best defender in the league.

See More: Man United Target Ozan Kabak Set To Sign New Deal Which Would Include €20m Release Clause

The Alanyaspor loanee has made 12 starts and scored one goal for the Mediterranean based side this season.

Demiral has also earned himself a place in the Turkey national team and made his debut against Ukraine in November.

The powerful 1.92m tall defender models himself on former United legend Nemanja Vidic.

Demiral recently told the Tam Saha magazine: “When I was young I always followed Nemanja Vidic at Manchester United. I used to watch clips of him on the internet. He’s still my idol even if he has retired. He was brave, a warrior, never gave up and was a true leader.”

The powerful defender joined Alcanenense from Fenerbahce in 2016 before being snapped up by Sporting.

The Turkey youth international has a €45m release clause and another four-years remaining on his contract.