Manchester United Transfer Rumor: Red Devils, Real Madrid Set To Battle It Out For Brazilian Wonderkid?

If rumors are to be believed, Premiership giants Manchester United and Spanish La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid are preparing to battle it out for Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A side Sao Paulo’s attacking midfielder Lucas Moura, when the transfer window opens in the summer.

Lucas, 19, who is rated as one of the upcoming talents in the modern game and one of the hottest prospects in South America, has been targeted by both Real and United for a summer transfer. United, however, could lose out in the race for the young Brazilian as his agent revealed that he took Lucas' parents to meet Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez last week.

Although, previously, it was reported that Chelsea are also interested in bringing the player to Stamford Bridge, Real still remain in the pole position to sign the player after French television station Canal+ published photos of Perez walking around the Bernabeu with Lucas' parents and agent Wagner Ribeiro. Ribeiro further revealed that a meeting also took place but assured that the Spaniards are yet to make an offer for the player’s signature.

“I took Lucas’ parents to Real Madrid because I have already visited Italy and England with them. I'm friends with Florentino Perez and I always do this, said Ribeiro, speaking to the Brazilian newspaper Globoesporte. “This does not mean Lucas will play for Real or any other team. At the moment, there have been no offers for him.”

It is being said that United will have to spend a figure in the region of $19.42 million (£12 million) if they have any chance of bringing the youngster to Old Trafford, according to a Mirror report.

Lucas, who joined Sao Paulo’s senior team in 2010, has made a total of 91 appearances for the club in all competitions and has managed to find the back of the net 23 times.