United Send Top Scout To Watch Trio During The Basque Derby

Robbie Cooke was on hand to watch a trio of stars as Real Sociedad beat Athletic Bilbao at the Anoeta on Sunday.

Having seen Koke score the winner against Malaga and briefly send Atletico Madrid to the top of the Spanish Primera the previous night, Cooke then headed to San Sebastian to watch long touted United targets Ander Herrera and Antoine Griezmann according to Voetball International.

But the story comes with a twist as the Dutch magazine also claimed that United were eyeing Real Sociedad’s young center back Iñigo Martínez.

United were heavily linked with a move for Herrera in the summer but, unwilling to meet Bilbao’s valuation of the 24 year old, allowed the transfer window to close without bringing him to Old Trafford.

With Manchester United’s season not quite going to plan, it’s believed United are ready to revive their interest in the central midfielder and have watched him numerous times ahead of a bid.

United have faced Real Sociedad twice this season in Europe prompting interest in French winger Antoine Griezmann, with the 22 year old made no secret of his admiration of Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Manchester United when rumours initially surfaced.

With 12 goals in 22 games, the French u21 starlet is on the radar of a number of Europe’s top clubs including United.

News of interest in Martinez comes as somewhat of a shock considering United’s catalogue of young center backs. The 22 year old was unfortunate to hand United the win at Old Trafford earlier in the season with an own goal, but the European u21 championship winner and Olympian is highly rated in Spain, earning a call up to Vincete Del Bosque’s national side for a friendly win over Ecuador in August.

Compared to Carles Puyol, the 22 year old could be a viable option for the future, although his €30m buyout clause could scare United off.

Herrera continues to be linked with United even though latest reports claim that he is no longer interested in a move to Old Trafford. If United are willing to match Bilbao’s valuation he would be eligible for United’s European campaign, something that can’t be said for Griezmann and Martinez having both appeared for Real Sociedad in the Champions League already this term.