Manchester United are reported to be admirers of Santos striker Marcos Leonardo and his agent says 'the time has come' for one of Brazil's biggest talents to move to Europe.

After missing out on the likes of Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Moises Caicedo, Julian Alvarez, Eduardo Camavinga, Manchester United's interest in another potential superstar-in-waiting at least offers the Red Devils the chance to right the wrongs of previous windows.

Linked with a move to Old Trafford by Gazzetta dello Sport, Marcos Leonardo international is reportedly valued at around PS25 million. A genuine bargain of a fee for a striker who, amid comparisons with Premier League legend Sergio Aguero, has 15 goals in just 13 games for Brazil at U20 level, while netting a further 21 in all competitions for Santos in 2023 (talkSPORT).

Leonardo, speaking to AS in October, admitted that he felt 'prepared' for a new challenge on the other side of the Atlantic. A view his agent appears to share.

"But Santos' sporting situation was very particular. He accepted to stay because he wanted to help out until the end of the season. "He didn't want to leave because it wasn't the right thing to do.

"But (now), the time has come for the transfer. He wants to have a European experience, and his time will come this winter."

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Rasmus Hojlund needs help up front Rasmus Hojlund and the perma-crocked Anthony Martial are currently the only genuine number nines at Erik ten Hag's disposal, with neither player scoring in the Premier League so far this season.

United legend Paul Scholes, however, feels that Hojlund's lack of goals is more the result of poor form from his fellow attackers, and those expected to load the ammunition.

"(Hojlund) has got wide players around him who don't cross the ball," Scholes tells the Webby and O'Neill podcast. "He looks to me like he's a centre-forward that wants crosses. He's got clever movement on crosses.

"Against Luton for his chance, some really good movement. He checked, moved the lad out the way and got in.

"Now, you've got Marcus Rashford who just wants to cut inside and shoot. You've got Antony playing at times, (Alejandro) Garnacho... They're almost trying to be goalscoring wide players who, at the minute, aren't scoring goals.

"But they don't provide crosses either."

Marcos Leonardo would at least take some pressure off Hojlund, although it wouldn't necessarily fix the concerns with a lack of service.

This is a real conundrum for manager Erik ten Hag to solve, especially with a potentially limited, or at least as yet undefined January transfer budget.