Van Wolfswinkel flattered by United & Chelsea interest

Ricky van Wolfswinkel has played down a move to either Manchester United and Chelsea, insisting he is happy to stay at Sporting Lisbon.

The £11million-rated striker has impressed since joining from Utrecht in the summer, with Sir Alex Ferguson hoping to use United’s bond with the Portuguese club to land the Dutchman in January or at the end of the season.

Van Wolfswinkel admits he is flattered by the interest from the Barclays Premier League big guns but suggests he would prefer to stay put for the time being.

‘It is good that my name was linked to big clubs such as Manchester United and others in England, but I am really content and happy at Sporting,’ Van Wolfswinkel said.

‘Things are excellent in every sense. I play for a good club and I am scoring goals because I am taking this satisfaction on to the pitch.’

Sportsmail revealed United’s interest in the 22-year-old rising star after they watched the Dutch striker score against Lazio in the Europa League tie on September 29.

Chelsea have also been monitoring Van Wolfswinkel, but a move in the winter transfer window is unlikely, admits his agent Louis Laros.

‘Chelsea and Manchester United have watched Ricky, like other young footballers in Europe, but I do not expect a possible deal in the January market,’ Laros said.

‘Nobody has spoken to me directly and Sporting are not interested in a deal at the moment.

‘However, in the world of football, it is impossible to say never about a sale.’