Manchester United fear being priced out of Lucas Moura race
The Brazilian teenager has attracted the attention of Sir Alex
Ferguson but, with Real Madrid and Inter also involved, his wage demands
are a potential stumbling block
Goal.com understands that
United have offered £20 million plus add-ons for the 19-year-old, but
have been told that both his club and representatives will only settle
for a fee closer to £30m.
The Premier League runners-up are also concerned that Chelsea will
soon return to the negotiating table, and have no intention of entering a
bidding war with the Stamford Bridge club.
The Brazilian club are determined to keep hold of the attacking
midfielder, with only an extraordinary bid likely to sway their
president, Juvenal Juvencio, who on Saturday claimed that they would
“risk” holding onto their prized asset.
However, Lucas' club own just 80 per cent of
his economic rights - with the player himself holding the remaining 20% -
and, should the 19-year-old be willing to forgo his cut of a fee, he
could be available for below his market worth.
United, who face
stiff competition for the player’s signature from the likes of Inter and
Real Madrid, are understood to have made contact with Lucas through
third parties but have been put off by his extravagant £110,000-a-week
wage demands.
The Old Trafford outfit hope that further talks
could take place once the Sao Paulo man lands in Britain ahead of the
Olympic football tournament this week.
The Premier League giants
were gazumped by Chelsea in the race to sign Belgian attacker Eden
Hazard earlier this summer, after the Blues offered the former Lille man
far more attractive salary package, and are mindful of recent history
repeating itself.
The club are confident that the
Portuguese-speaking enclave of Nani, Anderson and Rafael Da Silva would
ensure a smooth adaptation period but are mindful that, should Lucas
enjoy a reputation-enhancing Olympic tournament, in which he will be
part of a star-studded Brazil squad, his transfer value will increase
further.
The recent appointment of Ney Franco as
Emerson Leao's successor at Sao Paulo could increase the attacker's
chances of staying, though, as the new coach is expected to play the
Brazilian in his favoured free role rather than wide on the right.
Lucas
also recently expressed his desire to win trophies with his first club
but will be expected to sign an improved contract should he stay, with
his current deal expiring in 2015.
Earlier this week Sao Paulo
claimed that they had already received concrete offers from United and
Real Madrid for Lucas, who is already a senior international. Inter, who
are reported to have been unsuccessful with a £20m bid, also maintain
an interest in the player.
Source : Goal.com
