Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants to make Brazil's next big thing - Sao Paulo starlet Lucas Moura - his big summer signing.
Fergie has sent a delegation headed by chief scout Jim Lawlor to thrash out a deal for the 19-year-old, who is also wanted by Chelsea and Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Ferguson is pleading with United's owners, the Glazer family, to spend up to £30million on the youngster who tops his hit-list as he aims to improve his side after a trophyless season.
United have been on the Moura's trail for months and invited his father to Old Trafford for talks - as Mirror Sport revealed in April.
Now, they have gone to Brazil in a bid to seal the massive transfer.
Moura, who has already capped by his country, is valued at £35m by Sao Paolo, but United are looking at ways of bringing down the price while also winning over the player and his loved ones.
The youngster's contract is part-owned by his family. If they back a move to Old Trafford, it could give Ferguson's hopes of pulling off the coup a real boost.
Fergie hopes the fact that United see Moura as their top priority will also give them a leg up on Chelsea and Real.
However, the real key will be getting the financial backing of United's American owners, by using the argument that Moura will have re-sale value as he is younger than alternative targets such as Tottenham's Luka Modric.
Chelsea have had a bid for Moura turned down, while Spanish champions Real are already in talks with his camp.
Moura is a small but super-skilled attacking midfielder who made his debut as a 17-year-old and has now played 80 times for Sao Paolo.
United would have no hesitation spending the money and putting Lucas into their side from the start, with Ferguson desperate for an injection of something fresh after a season of disappointment.
Source : Mirror.co.uk
