Manchester United have offered Dalian Shide more than a million pounds for their 18-year-old Chinese striker Dong Fangzhuo, according to a Chinese newspaper.

"Our attitude is very positive, but the matter is still at a preliminary stage," Shide general manager Lin Lefeng told the Dalian-based Bandao Morning Post on Friday.

"Manchester United offered a transfer fee above one million pounds, but Shide's stance is firm," he added. "That is, we hope that Dong Fangzhuo could join Manchester United by means of a long-term loan."

Two weeks ago, state media quoted Lin as saying the club was willing to part with the lightning-fast forward for free for up to five years on condition that he went on loan.

Rumours have swirled for weeks that Dong would move to Old Trafford during the Premier League transfer window in January, enabling one of club football's biggest names to broaden their presence in the world's largest country.

Dong emerged as the cream of a crop of youngsters sent by China's top clubs to England for trials in August and Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson let slip on Wednesday that a "Chinese boy" would be joining the club soon.

Manchester United would not comment on any names.

Lin said team president Xu Ming would travel to Britain for further discussions on a possible deal around November 20.

A Shide official contacted by Reuters would not confirm that a deal was in the works.

"Many media organisations have called us about this," he said. "If you want to know something about Dong Fangzhuo, I have nothing to tell you."

United's presence in Asia was unrivalled until Real Madrid, with former United midfielder and England captain David Beckham, toured China and the Far East in July and August.

Former Dalian defender Sun Jihai became the first Chinese international to join the Premier League last year when he signed with cross-town rivals Manchester City. Midfielder Li Tie, formerly of Liaoning Bodao, plays at Everton.