Man. United Target Rojo Requests Move

Sporting Lisbon defender Marcos Rojo has handed in a transfer request and told his club he wants to be allowed to join Manchester United.

United have submitted a £15.9m (20m Euro) offer for Rojo, 24, who played for Argentina in the World Cup final.

Sporting, runners-up in Portugal's Primeira Liga, are considering the bid.

United manager Louis van Gaal has been looking for a central defender following the summer departures of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

Van Gaal missed out on Thomas Vermaelen last week after the Belgian opted to join Barcelona from Arsenal.

Rojo has informed the Portuguese side he will no longer train with them until the situation is resolved to his satisfaction.

He played at left-back in six of Argentina's seven games during their World Cup campaign, including the final, when they lost 1-0 to Germany after extra-time.

He also scored in their 3-2 group game win against Nigeria in Porto Alegre.

Southampton have also expressed an interest in signing the defender.