A Sky Sports News report has suggested that the vastly talented Borussia Dortmund playmaker is being lined up by Sir Alex Ferguson. This news, true or not is certain to whet the appetite of Red Devil supporters. The German international, 19, capped 12 times by his country has courted interest from a host of top clubs around Europe. His agent, Dirk Hebel, came out with these quotes.

"I think in Europe all the top clubs are interested in Mario.

"I can confirm that I have had contact with Juventus and Manchester United , but not only them.

"I don't know if he'll go away after this season, you should ask Borussia. But I think that they will not let him leave for less than 40million euros.

The Busby Babe's editor in chief Gene offers these thoughts....

"Gotze is an intelligent between the lines player that likes to come in from out wide and create. He can very much play in the 'number ten' role as well. He's incredibly gifted technically and perhaps Germany's brightest prospect of this generation. He works hard in Borussia Dortmund's pressing scheme and this perhaps bodes well in regard to the youngster's mentality. He's one of the few players in this world that I'd have no problem spending €40 million on. "

I too would like to see us splash some cash for a player, in the attacking mould who is not an out and out 10, like Rooney or Wesley Snjeider, although he can play in thay position, maybe if Wayne Rooney were unavailable. If he plays out wide then he also offers us a little different. WIth all our wingers playing in a more traditional way, mostly staying wide. He seems to be more of a David Silva type of player and that seems to be a very attractive asset. However we are far from the only big club chasing him. The agent suggest Juventus are interested, as well as other clubs that he refuses to name. So we will have to pay big money, in both fee and wages if we are to land the player, something that Manchester United have been fairly reluctunt to do as of late.