Atletico Madrid sent scouts to check on the progress of Sporting Lisbon starlet Miguel Veloso last weekend.
The defensive midfielder came though the youth ranks at Sporting but has now developed into a key player for the Lisbon giants.
A versatile performer who can play in midfield or as a central defender, the 20-year-old is attracting widespread interest with his performances this season with Manchester United also understood to have had him watched.
He played the full 90 minutes last weekend as Sporting beat Academica de Coimbra 1-0 and is likely to have impressed the Atletico contingent with another composed display.
The youngster is currently contracted to Sporting until 2008 and, although he is in contract talks over an extended deal, reports in both Spain and Portugal claim that Atletico are looking to lure him to Spain for next season.
However, Sporting are sure to fight tooth and nail to keep one of their most promising youngsters.