MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea have joined the bidding war for Brazilian wonderkid Messinho.
Palmeiras starlet Estevao Willian, who earned the “greatest name in history” thanks to his love for Lionel Messi as well as his performances, has attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest hitters.
The 16-year-old has been linked with Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Manchester City.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea and United have joined the transfer war for the winger’s signature.
However, the Blues and the Red Devils will have to cough up some heavy cash once more as Messinho – who also goes simply as Estevao – carries a €60million (£52m) release clause.
The forward signed his first professional contract with Palmeiras in April with a hefty asking price as his agent Andre Curry has claimed his client could win the Ballon d’Or one day.
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The rising star is turning heads in the ongoing Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia with three goals and four assists in four games for Brazil.
Chelsea and United, though, are facing intense competition with Real contacting Palmeiras on Wednesday.
Plus, a representative close to Messinho as well as Los Blancos star Vinicius Junior has offered to work as an intermediary.
A bid will also prove to be tough for the West Londoners and United as the player has previously revealed his desire to play for Barcelona and emulate his idol Messi’s success at the Nou Camp.
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PSG recently made a €40m (£35m) offer which quickly rose to €50m (£43m).
However, Messinho is waiting for a bid from Barca as he is adamant he prefers the Catalan giants.
But the player will not be able to move abroad until he turns 18 due to Brazilian law.
However, Messinho’s bidders can seal a deal that will see him making the move in two years when he becomes an adult, just like Real did with his Palmeiras team-mate Endrick who is currently 17.
Estevao has yet to make his senior debut for the Brazilian giants but great things are expected from him, which is why he signed a sponsorship deal with Nike at the tender age of 10.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
