Manchester United midfielder Nani has urged Alex Ferguson to press ahead with his bid for Sporting Lisbon star Miguel Veloso.
 

Midfielder Veloso has been one of the most sought-after players in Europe since last summer, with Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal all interested in him.
 

Nani said: "I know there are many rumours regarding Manchester United's interest in Veloso but I can't decide whether he comes.
 

"I know him well because he was a team-mate of mine and I know he has the quality to play for a club like United.
 

"The football here is hard but he is someone who can do well at a big club. And I know he already has the opportunities to leave Sporting."
 

United have a link with Sporting - an agreement which began in 2003 when Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Manchester - and Ferguson used that good relationship between the clubs to sign Nani, 23, in 2007.
 

Veloso, also 23, has been in superb form for Sporting this season and scored in both legs of their Europa League victory against Everton.
 

And now Nani, who played with fellow Portugal midfielder Veloso during their time at Sporting, wants Fergie to sign the star before someone else does.