Chelsea and Real Madrid are also chasing the small but skillful
Sao Paulo attacking midfielder who is now the Reds' No.1 target
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8Nlb4IqVOV0
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants to make
Brazil's next big thing - Sao Paulo starlet Lucas Moura - his big
summer signing.
Fergie has sent a delegation headed by chief scout Jim Lawlor to
thrash out a deal for the 19-year-old, who is also wanted by
Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Ferguson is pleading with United's owners, the Glazer
family, to spend up to £30million on the youngster who tops his
hit-list as he aims to improve his side after a trophyless
season.
United have been on the Moura's trail for months and invited his
father to Old Trafford for talks - as
Mirror Sport revealed in April.
Now, they have gone to Brazil in a bid to seal the massive
transfer.
Moura, who has already capped by his country, is valued at £35m
by Sao Paolo, but United are looking at ways of bringing down the
price while also winning over the player and his loved ones.
The youngster's contract is part-owned by his family. If they
back a move to Old Trafford, it could give Ferguson's hopes of
pulling off the coup a real
boost.
Show me the money: The Glazers must fork out if United are to
land Lucas Moura
Fergie hopes the fact that United see Moura as their top
priority will also give them a leg up on Chelsea and
Real.
However, the real key will be getting the financial backing of
United's American owners, by using the argument that Moura will
have re-sale value as he is younger than alternative targets such
as Tottenham's Luka Modric.
Chelsea have had a bid for Moura
turned down, while Spanish champions Real are already in
talks with his camp.
Moura is a small but super-skilled attacking midfielder who made
his debut as a 17-year-old and has now played 80 times for Sao
Paolo.
United would have no hesitation spending the money and putting
Lucas into their side from the start, with Ferguson desperate for
an injection of something fresh after a season of
disappointment.
