Is Sao Paolo?s 18-year-old Lucas Really Worth £72 ($117.20) Million?

Rumors are rampant that EPL champions Manchester United are near to signing the promising Brazilian midfielder Lucas from Sao Paulo F.C. The player, currently, is being tracked by both United and Bundesliga giant FC Bayern Munich.

The Brazilian club, however, believes that the 18-year-old is worth £72 million, which is a bizarre figure for someone so young.

The player’s agent, Wagner Ribeiro, earlier confirmed that Lucas was approached this year by both Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

Lucas, who caught the eye of top European sides in March when he helped Brazil defeat Scotland 2-0 at Wembley, would be an ideal replacement for the recently retired United great Paul Scholes, according to a First Post report.

Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva, known as Lucas, has made 31 appearances for the club since he joined in 2010, and has managed to find the back of the net seven times. Lucas is in the list of FIFA's players to watch in 2011. Recently, he was called for the Brazilian team, in two friendlies against Netherlands and Romania.