United Eye Brazilian Midfielder in January if Strootman Bid Fails - Report

Manchester United are considering a move to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Alex Teixeira if a move for AS Roma star Kevin Strootman does not materialise in January, according to the Mirror.

The Dutch international was a transfer target for the Premier League champions in the summer when he was with his former club PSV Eindhoven. However, the 23-year-old opted for a move to Italy to join the Serie A outfit.

United have had a poor summer transfer window and earlier reports suggested that David Moyes is keen on signing Strootman in the mid-season transfer window. However, the midfielder's agent Chiel Dekker has insisted that his client is happy with the Italian side.

"Kevin is very happy in Rome and his intention is to stay here for a long time. They have started a project and a new team and he has adapted well to his new club," Dekker told Sky Sports.

Moyes is looking for possibilities to bolster his midfield during the winter transfer window. With the Dutchman's representative claiming that Strootman is happy to stay with the Italian club, the former Everton manager is targeting at Teixeira as an alternative.

The 50-year-old Scot has already admitted that he would allow a few of the first team players in the squad to leave the club if the right offer is made for the players in January. Moyes claims United have the funds to bring in new players in the winter transfer window after failing to add quality in the summer.

Shakhtar lost 1-0 to the Red Devils during their midweek Champions League clash at Old Trafford condemning them into the Europa League. The Mirror claimed that the attacking midfielder has caught Moyes' eye as he looks to make some significant signings for the long-term.

Teixeira, who is yet to earn a cap for the national team, is valued by Shakhtar at £25m. The Brazilian international has established himself as a key part of the Ukrainian champions' line-up since joining them in December 2009.

The Brazilian midfielder has scored seven goals for Shakhtar from 25 appearances in all competitions. Having played in the Champions League for the Ukrainian outfit this season, Teixeira is cup-tied and will be ineligible to play for United in the competition should he decide to make a move to Old Trafford in January.