European champions Manchester United will go head-to-head with Italian giants Inter for Belgian starlet Axel Witsel at the end of the season, according to a report in the British tabloid The Sun.

It is thought that Red Devils manager Alex Ferguson is keen to boost his midfield options as England international Owen Hargreaves has been struggling to stave off injury woes.

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Hargreaves has toiled for fitness since moving to Old Trafford in 2007, starting just 23 games last season and making only three appearances during this campaign.

Reportedly, 20-year-old Witsel is seen as an ideal replacement and, despite his young age, he already has plenty of first-team experience, including five full caps for Belgium.

It is claimed that United will offer Standard Liege 8.8 million (£8m) for the 6ft midfielder, although Inter head coach Jose Mourinho is keen to add him to his squad, which could spark a bidding war.