Man United to miss out on Rayo Vallecano youngster

Atletico Madrid are closing in on a player-plus-cash deal to land Manchester United target Leo Baptistao.

The Rayo Vallecano frontman has been scouted by United, with manager sir Alex Ferguson's brother, Martin, reportedly making a special trip to watch him.

But the Premier League leaders look set to miss out on the promising 20-year-old, with Atletico apparently on the verge of agreeing a deal.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the two La Liga clubs were locked in talks at Atletico's Vicente Calderon stadium on Thursday about the switch.

Baptistao has a £6.5m release clause but it is understood that Rayo will let him leave for £4m if Atletico include a player, which the two clubs are discussing.

Although the transfer could be completed this month it is likely that the Brazil-born striker will remain with Rayo, where he has scored six goals so far this season, until the summer.