Manchester Uniteds interest in Kerlon, has been confirmed by the
Brazilian forwards agent Mino Raiola.
The 19-year-old, who is rated at around £14 million (20 million)
at Cruzeiro, has however seen a knee injury ruling out a move
during the summer, although Torino still showed interest in taking
him to Italy in close season.
Renowned for balancing the ball on his head or seal dribble,
Kerlon had been linked with United in the British press for some
time after boss Sir Alex Ferguson spotted the talented youth
international during the South American championships.
Raiola told calciomercato: "His name is in the note-books of all
the top European clubs. Before his latest knee injury, he was close
to signing for Manchester United.
"Inter were also very interested and Juventus know him very
well.
"The only true attempt for him this summer was from Torino, who
gave me the mandate to do the deal. But Cruzeiro declared he was
not for sale and the Granata took [Alvaro] Recoba instead.
"Kerlon has a contract until 2009 with the option for another year
but this is not the problem. Whoever wants him, must spend
approximately 20 million, a figure that an English club is already
prepared to spend."
