Italy-based Japanese striker Takayuki Morimoto has been targeted by some of Europe's leading clubs, with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson among his many admirers, a team official said.

Morimoto, 21, who plays for Catania in Serie A, was recently called up to the Japan squad for the first time and big things are expected of him.

"We will transfer him to a big club after the end of this season," Catania general manager Pietro Lo Monaco told the Asahi Shimbun in Italy.

"We have already received important offers from England and France this summer as well," he said. "Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson also highly rates him."

Morimoto, who spent three seasons with J-League side Tokyo Verdy before joining Catania in 2006, has scored a total of nine goals in 42 Serie A games and also netted in his side's opening day 2-1 defeat home to Sampdoria.