Manchester United have been linked with Argentinian full-back Juan Pablo Sorin and Boca Juniors defender Nicolas Burdisso as they attempt to strengthen their squad before the transfer deadline on August 31.

Sorin is currently registered with Brazilian club Cruzeiro and they had negotiated a deal to take the player to Lazio. However, with the Italian club struggling financially, Sorin may end up moving to Old Trafford.

In a compicated deal, Lazio will offer Sorin to Manchester United, thus writing off some of the money they owe for Jaap Stam, who moved to Lazio last September.

Sorin’s agent Gustavo Mascardi will meet Cruzeiro and Lazio officials in Rome at the end of the week in an effort to facilitate the move.

“In principle, an agreement had been reached for an $11m (œ7.2m) transfer from Cruzeiro of Brazil to Lazio,” Mascardi said. “But the Italian team have changed their offer. Now they want a loan for a year instead of a definite transfer.’

Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Boca defender Burdisso, who impressed United boss Sir Alex Ferguson in the recent friendly between the two sides earlier this month at Old Trafford, has allso been linked wiith a move to United.

Like Sorin, Burdisso is also represented by Mascardi. The agent admitted that there was interest from United in Burdisso and that a £5 million deal could be in the offing.

“I know about Manchester’s interest and if I am asked for my opinion I must say that this is a negotiation that no club can let go by because it’s a lot of money that will be on offer for a defender, and that is something that doesn’t happen very often,” said Mascardi.