Manchester United Transfer News: Red Devils Face Major Blow For 'New Neymar'

Gabriel Veron has been on Manchester United’s radar, but ahead of a possible transfer, the Brazilian rising star incurred a devastating injury.

Amid an impressive season with Palmeiras, Veron faces one of the biggest hurdles of his young career. On Sunday, he suffered a muscle rupture in the right thigh in the club’s 1-0 victory over local rivals Red Bull Bragantino, Sport reported.

There is no specific timeframe yet as to when Veron can make his return, but the Palmeiras talisman would definitely miss the must-win Copa do Brasil semi-final match against America-MG.

Prior to the said injury, the 18-year-old was being monitored by English Premier League club Manchester United and Serie A side Fiorentina, Italian newspaper La Nazione reported.

Apart from Manchester United and Fiorentina, the reigning Italian top-flight Juventus has also expressed its interest in Veron, per Todofichajes. It was later confirmed by the club’s official website.

However, Palmeiras already ensured Veron’s future with the club by extending his contract until 2024 last year.

It hasn’t been disclosed how much it would cost to make the star forward available in the market, but according to Goal, he is expected to become the team’s most expensive player of all time.

Veron has emerged as a top prospect in the coming transfer windows after a series of superb Copa Libertadores performances.

So far, the teenager has been in fine form, scoring three goals in seven games for the Brazilian side. He has also been chosen player of the week by Conmebol after notching 2 sensational goals in Palmeiras’ decisive 5-0 win over Delfín earlier this month.

But arguably, it was the comparisons with Brazilian superstar Neymar that has been Veron’s greatest recognition thus far.

In fact, the youngster is already being referred to as the “New Neymar” in his home country.

Even more interesting, Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira is convinced that the club’s top management values Veron more than his touted predecessor.

“It is impossible for Palmeiras to sell this player for less than Neymar was sold to Barcelona,” Ferreira said of Veron earlier this month.

Despite being likened to the playing style of Neymar, Veron shared to Globo Esporte last year that it was five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo whom he is similar to.

“He [Ronaldo] always seeks to do his best and beat his own records,” Veron said. “I think so [on having similar styles]. Of strength, always looking for the best, scoring goals.”