Report: Manchester United hope to charm Kurt Zouma

Manchester United are reportedly leading the race to sign Saint-Etienne teenager Kurt Zouma.

The 18-year-old centre-back, who has made seven Ligue 1 starts this season, is also understood to be on the radar of Manchester City.

However, according to The Mirror, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson plans to persuade Zouma to opt for a move to the red side of Manchester by inviting him to watch a game at Old Trafford and visit the club's facilities.

Saint-Etienne are believed to be willing to sell Zouma for a fee in the region of £9m.