Morimoto keen on United move

The 21-year-old Japan international has asked his agent to determine if there is any truth in speculation that the Old Trafford club are looking to make a move for him, claims The News of the World.

"I have read about the interest from Manchester United in me," he said.

"I called my agent and he said to me he had not had any contact with the English team.”

"I like the Premier League, since I've seen it on television, although La Liga and Serie A are also interesting. Nevertheless, the transfer market does not interest me now but only Catania staying up."

Morimoto, who has four goals in 12 starts for Catania so far this season, has been capped twice by Japan, having made his debut against Scotland in October, and will be aiming to be part of the squad for next summer’s World Cup.

The former Tokyo Verdy striker would be the first Japanese player to play for the Old Trafford side, although it wouldn’t be the first time Sir Alex Ferguson has signed a player from the Far East.

South Korean midfielder Park Ji-sung arrived from PSV Eindhoven in 2005 and Chinese striker Dong Fangzhuo played for the club from 2004-08.