Manchester United Transfer Rumor: Red Devils, Chelsea To Battle It Out For South American Starlet?

If the latest reports are to be believed, Premier League heavyweights Manchester United and Chelsea are preparing a bidding war for Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A side Sao Paulo's Brazilian attacking midfielder Lucas Moura who has been in an inspiring form this season for the Brazilian club.

Moura, 19, who had previously revealed his intentions of playing in England in the future, now looks set to join either Chelsea or United this summer after the player's agent, Wagner Ribeiro, confirmed that he was approached by both the English clubs regarding the youngster's availability.

It was reported that the player was approached by Italian Serie A club Inter Milan last January and offered Sao Paulo a hefty sum of money. However, the deal could not be finalized as the Brazilian club decided to pull out of the deal in the last minute.

I have to say that Inter, Chelsea and Manchester United have already been in contact with me about him, Ribeiro told Globo Esporte in an interview. He has the perfect profile to play in Europe - he's a good player, very rapid and he knows how to shoot.

Nonetheless, the player will know that his chances of breaking into the Brazil first team for the 2014 World Cup will be boosted if he moves to Europe with one of the big names. Although Moura will be in contract with the club till December 2015, a deal could happen if both United and Chelsea decide to make a serious move for the player.

However, both the clubs will know that the player is also being closely monitored by their Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham, but could be assured by the fact that the player has a price tag of $31.85 million (£20 million) which could turn out to be a determining factor as both Arsenal and Spurs are not big spenders.

Moreover, the player boasts a massive buy-out clause of over $105.12 million (£66 million), according to a Metro report.

Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva currently is one of the hottest prospects in South America and was in the list of FIFA's players to watch in 2011. The young Brazilian, thus far, has made 88 appearances for Sao Paulo and has managed to find the back of the net 23 times.