Manchester United look set to join the race for highly rated Brazilian teenager Lucas Moura. The 17 year old has already played 80 times for Sao Paulo and has caught the attention of United manager Sir Alex Ferguson after Nani delays contract talks.
Reports in the British Press suggest that Manchester United have sent representatives out to Brazil to step up negotiations, with Ferguson in talks with the Glazer family to make funds available.
The Red Devils are keen to find a replacement for Nani who has yet to commit his future at the club and have already had a reported £30 million bid rejected for Porto winger James Rodriguez.
However, the club face stiff competition for the Brazilians signature as they join the line of clubs looking to sign the youngster who is also being chased by Real Madrid, Inter Milan and European Champions Chelsea who have already bid €40 million. Speaking back in May, Sao Paulo president Juvenal Juvenico insisted only an “enormous offer” will convince the club to part company with a player tipped by many to become one of world’s best.
“We did not accept the offer but of course Chelsea is the closest to signing Lucas,” he told Italian website www.fcinter1908.com. “Inter made an offer of £20.2 million, but this was not considered sufficient by us.
With Nani’s future at United unclear after he admitted he was taking time to ‘assess all opportunities’’ and Portuguese newspaper Record linking Anderson with a move to Benfica, it is clear Ferguson carfully considering his attacking options for next season.
Whether Sir Alex will be willing to pay the huge asking price that Sao Paulo have put on Moura remains to be seen.
