Manchester United are monitoring Middlesbrough winger Marcus Tavernier, according to reports in the English media.

Scouts from the Premier League club have been sent to watch the 19-year-old over the past month as United look to strengthen their youth ranks.

Tavernier initially struggled for game time under manager Tony Pulis this season but has begun to feature more prominently in recent weeks.

The England Under 20 international scored in the 2-1 win against Brentford in November, and followed that up with another strike in the 1-1 draw versus Preston North End a few days later.

Tavernier was given his third consecutive start against Aston Villa in the 3-0 defeat at the start of this month, but he was an unused substitute last time out in the draw against Blackburn.

The teenager is certainly showing signs of progression over the past few weeks, but whether a move to United at this stage would be beneficial to his career, it seems doubtful.