Transfer news: Everything you need to know about Man United target Daniel De Silva

Man United have emerged as contenders to land Australian whiz-kid Daniel De Silva, with new Red Devils' boss David Moyes keen to reignite his interest in the 16-year-old, having failed to land him while at Everton last season. But just who is this precocious talent? talkSPORT's transfer spotlight takes a look.

Name: Daniel De Silva
Date of birth: 6 March, 1997
Birthplace: Perth, Australia
Position: Attacking midfielder
Club: Perth Glory
International: Australia U20 (3 caps/1 goal)

What's the latest?
Having been a surprise inclusion in Australia's 2013 U20 World Cup squad, Socceroo prodigy Daniel De Silva hit headlines back home after scoring in his side's opening fixture against much-fancied Colombia, making him the third-youngest scorer in the tournament's history. However, his goal not only made the football world sit up and take notice, it has reportedly prompted Man United to mull over a possible transfer this summer.

The nitty gritty
1) Having only just turned professional in February 2013, De Silva's career is still very much in its infancy, with the 16-year-old only making four senior appearances for club side Perth Glory at time of writing.

2) A childhood Perth Glory fan, De Silva's football development started at clubs Kingsway Olympic and Stirling Lions, before the attacking midfielder enrolled in the Western Australian National Training Centre's development programme.

3) While learning his craft at the WANTC, De Silva was spotted by Everton scouts and was offered a deal to join the Toffees at the beginning of 2013. However, the move fell apart due to work permit issues and he instead signed professional terms with Perth Glory in February. It must be noted that due to his emerging role within the Australian U20 set-up, De Silva is expected to qualify for a UK work permit under the category 'exceptional talent' – much like the status granted to Arsenal winger Ryo Miyaichi.

4) After being handed a shock debut in Perth's 2-1 victory over Sydney FC just weeks later – thus becoming the second youngest player to feature in the A-League – De Silva was brought into the Australian U20 training set-up by head coach Paul Okon, with a view to preparing him for the 2015 international period. However, after just one training session, he was fast-tracked into the U20 World Cup squad.

5) Described by Okon as “uncoachable” (see below) he was given a surprise start again Colombia, scoring and putting in a man-of-the-match performance in the 1-1 draw. Despite premature comparisons with Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, who both made their bow in the tournament, De Silva is most like former Socceroos hero Harry Kewell due to his effortless ability to drift past players and his instinctive movement off the ball.

He says
“Every footballer has a bit of nerves before any game but I was definitely nervous being young and playing in a World Cup ,but once you settle on the park and get a few touches your nerves go away straight away.” - Daniel De Silva

They say
“He's uncoachable because he's got all the tools, it's a matter of just making him aware of a few things.” - Australia U20 coach Paul Okon

Video evidence
Daniel De Silva's professional debut against Sydney FC – March 2013

Daniel De Silva goal v Colombia at FIFA U20 World Cup

Should Daniel De Silva move to Man United, or continue his development in Australia?