Manchester United are ready to rival Chelsea for the signing of Brazilian starlet Mosquito this January.
European heavyweights Real Madrid and Juventus also watched the talented forward dazzle in this year’s FIFA Under-17 World Cup, but clubs are being forced to wait until the player turns 18 next month before they can make their move.
The Atletico Paranaense youngster’s representatives are holding out for £4million for the deal which, although complicated by an ongoing dispute with former club Vasco da Gama, is a fee Chelsea are willing to match after their South American scouts passed on glowing recommendations to Stamford Bridge chiefs.
The Blues would likely farm him out on loan at Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem for the 2014/15 season.
