Ferguson still keen on Costa

• limpper

  17 Jul 09, 16:09

  Ferguson still keen on Costa

  
  

  Brazilian wonder-kid Douglas Costa is still in contact with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, according to the player's agent.
  
  The Old Trafford outfit were believed to have been eyeing up the the 18-year-old Brazil U20 international - recently dubbed the new Ronaldinho - as a potential future replacement for FIFA World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo.

  And the Premier League champions had reportedly had a request for the youngster - who is a rumoured target for Arsenal and Bayern Munich - to spend a two-week trial in England turned down by the player's club, with any deal placed into further doubt by the South American side's lofty valuation of £20 million for the teen sensation.
  
  As well as Ferguson recently declaring that he would be making no more signings this summer following the captures of Antonio Valencia, Gabriel Obertan and Michael Owen, all talk of a move across the Atlantic for the youngster had cooled after Costa sustained suspected ankle ligament damage playing for Gremio.
  
  However, the player's representitive, Cesar Bottega, has revealed that the United boss is still interested in the starlet.
  
  “There has been more contact [with Ferguson], even to know why he isn't currently playing,” he said, as reported by Sport.co.uk.
  
  “Ferguson has studied him closely. But it is clear he wants to confirm what people have told him up close.”