Manchester United 'lead race to complete Roberto Firmino signing'

Manchester United are reportedly leading the race to sign Hoffenheim star Roberto Firmino this summer.

The 23-year-old has also been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal in the past few months, although Louis van Gaal is said to have lined up a big-money move for the Brazil international.

The Metro claims that a bid of around £18.6m will be made for the youngster's services, which Van Gaal hopes will be enough to fend off interest from elsewhere.

Firmino, widely regarded as one of the hottest properties in European football, has scored six goals and assisted a further seven in 25 Bundesliga games for Hoffenheim this season.