United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz and executive director David Gill, met the 21-year-old Cap Verde born-star's agent Jorge Mendes in Lisbon early on Wednesday.

While Sporting Lisbon and Nani refused to comment United later released a statement on its website saying they had agreed terms with both him and FC Porto's 19-year-old Brazilian Anderson.

"Terms are agreed with both players and an announcement will take place once a medical and other procedures are done," said a statement on the club website.

Nani -- who has scored once in five international appearances for Portugal -- is likely to cost 20 million euros due to a buy out clause in his contract.

Anderson -- who joined Porto from Gremio in 2005 -- is in Brazil's Copa America squad, though, not in the one selected for Friday's friendly with England.

Sporting had made it clear that they would prefer Nani -- who has been with them since 2005 -- stay.

"Sporting will not confirm the meeting took place," said club spokesman Salema Garcao.

"All we will say is that we would like Nani to stay. Of course if a club is interested, it will have to pay the sum of the buy out clause."

United have already enjoyed tremendous success with a former Sporting Lisbon player, Cristiano Ronaldo, who won both senior and young player of the year awards last term after sparkling performances saw his side regain the title off two-time defending champions Chelsea.

Should both signings go through without a hitch United are likely to quickly add England international midfielder Owen Hargreaves for 17million pounds from German giants Bayern Munich.