United line up Mahrez to help the goal search

MANCHESTER UNITED are monitoring Leicester City’s in-form winger Riyad Mahrez. The Algeria international has been on United’s radar since last season but his continued improvement has prompted them to take a closer look. United had a scout at Saturday’s game between West Bromwich Albion and Leicester though that was routine as United host Albion at Old Trafford this weekend. Mahrez scored twice in Leicester’s 3-2 win, taking his tally for the season to eight goals and lifting Leicester into third in the Premier League, one place above United. Frustrated United manager Louis Van Gaal wants to add pace and goals to a struggling attack that has produced three consecutive 0-0 draws. An ambitious proposal to sign Neymar from Barcelona was deemed unrealistic last summer and United also failed to sign Sadio Mane from Southampton. Mane, valued at £25million, remains an option for January. French media reported yesterday that United have contacted the representatives of Mahrez (above) but they are not alone as Paris St Germain and Barcelona have also noted his performances. Mahrez was signed from Le Havre in 2014 for just £325,000, though Leicester would demand a hefty fee should they sell after handing him a new contract that runs until 2019. Mahrez is eligible to play in Europe if he moves in January. Off the field, United’s kit suppliers adidas want to add Wayne Rooney to their superstar stable — more than a decade after turning down the striker. The club’s captain is signed to rivals Nike.

Sportsmail can reveal adidas declined to sign Rooney when he was with former club Everton.