Rio Mavuba's agent has confirmed to skysports.com that his client has been contacted by Manchester United, but has played down the possibility of the Bordeaux midfielder moving anywhere in January.
Mavuba is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in European football and has been linked with several of the continent's top clubs.
He has previously stated that he would relish the opportunity to play for the Premiership leaders, and United are eager to keep tabs on his progress.
Vincenzo Morabito, the player's representative, feels a move away from France is unlikely to go ahead this month, but has hinted that Mavuba could be set for pastures new in the summer.
However, Morabito has warned United that they will face stiff competition for Mavuba's signature, as Italian giants Juventus have also made contact with the young Frenchman.
Morabito told skysports.com: "It is true that the player is followed very closely by clubs in England, but also in Italy.
"The situation will depend on a lot of details.
"Bordeaux are an ambitious club that are attempting to qualify for a second consecutive UEFA Champions League, so it may be easier for Rio to leave in the summer.
"But if a club offer a big sum of money during the January transfer window, we will see if Bordeaux are interested in transferring him.
"I sincerely think that the summer transfer window will be more interesting for him.
"Manchester United and Juventus have asked for him.
"That is normal. Rio is a future top-class player and his future lies with a very ambitious European club."