Manchester United targets £9m-rated St Etienne defender Kurt Zouma

Manchester United have stepped up their bid to land St Etienne defender Kurt Zouma.

Boss Alex Ferguson has invited the £9million-rated 18-year-old over to watch a game, but faces a battle with Man City.

The Reds' noisy neighbours Manchester City are also tracking Zouma, who is regarded as one of Europe’s hottest teenage prospects.

United, who have been plagued by injuries at the back and currently face losing Rio Ferdinand on a free in the summer, are also eyeing Torino and Italy centre-half Angelo Ogbonna.