Porto defender Rolando is an £18 million target for Manchester United.
The Daily Mail says the classy centre half has shot to prominence with his performances in the Champions League.
He is well thought of by former United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz, who has called him up to the full Portugal squad.
Rolando, 24 and 6ft 3in, has an eye for goal and has formed a strong partnership with another United target, Bruno Alves.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are in the market for defenders because of concerns over the futures of centre halves Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Ferguson is reluctant to pay over the odds but Porto value Rolando at around £28m.