Manchester United are interested in bringing Belgium international, Steven Defour, to Old Trafford in an attempt to shore up the centre of midfield before the start of the season.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been keeping tabs on Defour, who plays for Standard Liege in the Belgium league, and is now ready to table a £13m bid. Defour has just recovered from a broken foot and is understood to be 85% fit, which means United may wait until just before the transfer window closes, before completing the deal.

Defour, 22, was first brought to the attention of the United manager over one year ago, and the Daily Mail reported that Ferguson wrote to him back in March, offering encouragement after he broke his foot.

Other clubs are interested in signing Defour, with Roy Hodgson also a big admirer in the player. However United are head of the queue, and as long as he makes a full recovery from his injury, fans could see him lining up in midfield at Old Trafford this season.

Defour can play anywhere across the midfield, but Ferguson wants him to sit in “the hole” as he has a great passing game, and is not afraid of a tackle. Many United fans were disappointed with the performances of Michael Carrick last season, and Defour could be brought in as a replacement for the former Spurs and West Ham midfielder.

What are your thoughts? Do you want to see Defour at Old Trafford this season? To help you make up your mind view the video clips of him in action below.