Audio By Carbonatix
Manchester United are fearful of being priced out of the race to sign Sao Paulo’s teenage sensation Lucas Moura.
The Brazilian club are determined to keep hold of the attacking midfielder, with only an extraordinary bid likely to sway their president, Juvenal Juvencio, who on Saturday claimed that they would “risk” holding onto their prized asset.
However, Lucas' club own just 80 per cent of his economic rights - with the player himself holding the remaining 20% - and, should the 19-year-old be willing to forgo his cut of a fee, he could be available for below his market worth.
United, who face stiff competition for the player’s signature from the likes of Inter and Real Madrid, are understood to have made contact with Lucas through third parties but have been put off by his extravagant £110,000-a-week wage demands.
The Old Trafford outfit hope that further talks could take place once the Sao Paulo man lands in Britain ahead of the Olympic football tournament this week.
The Premier League giants were gazumped by Chelsea in the race to sign Belgian attacker Eden Hazard earlier this summer, after the Blues offered the former Lille man far more attractive salary package, and are mindful of recent history repeating itself.
The club are confident that the Portuguese-speaking enclave of Nani, Anderson and Rafael Da Silva would ensure a smooth adaptation period but are mindful that, should Lucas enjoy a reputation-enhancing Olympic tournament, in which he will be part of a star-studded Brazil squad, his transfer value will increase further.
The recent appointment of Ney Franco as Emerson Leao's successor at Sao Paulo could increase the attacker's chances of staying, though, as the new coach is expected to play the Brazilian in his favoured free role rather than wide on the right.
Lucas also recently expressed his desire to win trophies with his first club but will be expected to sign an improved contract should he stay, with his current deal expiring in 2015.
Earlier this week Sao Paulo claimed that they had already received concrete offers from United and Real Madrid for Lucas, who is already a senior international. Inter, who are reported to have been unsuccessful with a £20m bid, also maintain an interest in the player.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Antoine Semenyo chooses Manchester City ahead of January move
25 minutes -
Western region records 465 road fatalities in 11 months; officials blame drunk driving, human error
34 minutes -
DVLA extends use of DP stickers and DV plates amid new plate rollout delay
46 minutes -
What’s in a nickname? AFCON 2025 teams have stories to tell
57 minutes -
DVLA suspends rollout of new number plates planned for January 2026
1 hour -
Health Minister commends workers, pledges stronger health system in end-of-year message
1 hour -
Two dead, dozens injured in crash on Cape Coast–Takoradi highway
1 hour -
NPP Primary: Bawumia still in strong lead in latest Global InfoAnalytics survey
2 hours -
NPP Primary: Bawumia leads with 56% amongst committed voters in latest Global InfoAnalytics poll
2 hours -
Venezuela accuses US of ‘extortion’ over seizure of oil tankers
2 hours -
Zelensky says Ukrainian withdrawal from the East possible in latest peace plan
2 hours -
NDC highlights first year achievements, vows to stabilise economy and strengthen governance
2 hours -
Ghana’s performance broadly satisfactory; but faces downside risks to economy – IMF
2 hours -
Cybercrime crackdown: 48 suspects arrested in Dawhenya operation
2 hours -
Any further easing of policy rate should remain gradual and data dependent – IMF to BoG
2 hours
