Atletico Madrid sent scouts to check on the progress of Sporting
Lisbon starlet Miguel Veloso last weekend.
The defensive midfielder came though the youth ranks at Sporting
but has now developed into a key player for the Lisbon
giants.
A versatile performer who can play in midfield or as a central
defender, the 20-year-old is attracting widespread interest with
his performances this season with Manchester United also understood
to have had him watched.
He played the full 90 minutes last weekend as Sporting beat
Academica de Coimbra 1-0 and is likely to have impressed the
Atletico contingent with another composed display.
The youngster is currently contracted to Sporting until 2008 and,
although he is in contract talks over an extended deal, reports in
both Spain and Portugal claim that Atletico are looking to lure him
to Spain for next season.
However, Sporting are sure to fight tooth and nail to keep one of
their most promising youngsters.