French starlet reveals United dream

Rennes midfielder James Lea Siliki has been one of the French league's stand-out performers to far this campaign, forcing his way into the club's starting line-up and making 15 appearances in all competitions.

The 21-year-old has started all of the club's last six matches in the French top flight as he proves to manager Sabri Lamouchi that if you're good enough, you're old enough.

At such a young age, the midfielder could be forgiven for being unsure as to what he wants out of his professional career, but he has no such doubts.

'Since I was small in my bedroom, I've dreamed of playing big matches and being a professional footballer,' he told local publication 'Ouest France'.

'It's been an obsession since I was old enough to understand.

'I dream of Manchester United, their stadium, their colours. I grew up with the Sir Alex Ferguson years, with Boxing Day games on Canal+, the 95th-minute wins. 

'I grew up with Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole together in attack, Mikael Silvestre, Louis Saha, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs, who remains an icon.'

However, despite his love for the red half of Manchester, it is the blue half that the youngster looks to as he continues his footballing development.

'I like watching videos of experienced players, analyse what they do well, tactically, physically, their movements, their physical investment.,' he said. 'Kevin De Bruyne, for example, he's complete.' 

Lea Siliki's comments will no doubt have pricked the ears of the powers that be at Manchester United, who will certainly be keeping an eye on the youngster's progress.