Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly keeping tabs on highly-rated Catania hitman Takayuki Morimoto, who has been dubbed the 'new Ronaldo'.

Morimoto, 21, is regarded as one of the of the best young players in Serie A and has been compared to Brazilian legend Ronaldo for a combination of his size, strength and speed.

Although he has yet to be capped by Japan, Morimoto is already attracting admiring glances from across the continent after netting 10 goals in 43 appearances since he arrived at the Stadio Angelo Massimino in 2006.

And United appear to be at the head of the queue for his signature, with 'Fergie' earning a reputation for signing largely unknown quantities - Ole Gunner Solskjaer and this summer's capture of Mame Biram Diouf two prime examples.

Catania general manager Pietro Lo Monaco has confirmed that the Premier League champions are admirers of Morimoto and that the club have already had offers from England and France for the youngster.

Lo Monaco concedes that the club will be forced to cash in on the former Tokyo Verdy striker next summer, with Ferguson sure to be keeping one eye on Morimoto's development over the next 12 months.

"We'll transfer him to a big club at the end of the season," Lo Monaco told Asahi Shimbun.

"We, only a small club, can do nothing more for him.

"We've already received important offers from England and France this summer as well.

"Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson also highly rates him."