Manchester United are reportedly plotting a move for Brazilian teenage sensation Endrick.
The 16-year-old is supposedly being followed by a plethora of top European clubs after bursting onto the scene in his homeland with Palmeiras.
Endrick is still waiting for his competitive debut for the Brasileiro side, but he has struck six goals in seven games for their Under-20s in the 2022 Copinha.
The teenager has also racked up five goals and one assist from four appearances in a Brazil shirt for the Under-17s, and he signed his first professional deal with Palmeiras earlier this year.
Endrick is tied down to his boyhood club until the summer of 2025, but that is unlikely to deter interested parties from trying to secure his signature in the next couple of years.
© Reuters
According to Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola - via The Sun - Man United are one of several European clubs keeping a close eye on Endrick's development.
The report adds that Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have joined the Red Devils in the race for the forward, and bids are being prepared by all three parties.
Endrick is reported to possess a £35m release clause in his existing contract with Palmeiras, but Premier League clubs are supposedly already on the back foot in the race.
Nicola adds that Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are both well-placed to compete for the Brazil Under-17 international's signature, with the Ligue 1 champions currently at the head of the queue.
An intense battle between clubs over personal terms will seemingly commence in the near future, as teams aim to lure Endrick away from the club where he has netted a staggering 165 goals at youth level.
© Reuters
Endrick conducted an interview with Marca earlier this year, during which he confirmed his desire to compete in the upper echelons of the European game and admitted that interest from the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid was "gratifying" to hear.
"I try not to think about the future, but about the present. I dream, of course, of playing in Europe, with the Brazilian national team and winning trophies," Endrick said.
"I have a lot of love for Real Madrid because of Cristiano [Ronaldo], although I have also looked up some of their history and they are a very good team.
"It is very gratifying for me to know that they are watching me and seeing my games. I am very grateful to God for that. I have to do more, it's not good enough yet, I have to give more. I still have a way to go.
"They are a very good team too, spectacular, with incredible players, some of whom have already left, such as [Lionel] Messi, Xavi [Hernandez] and [Andres] Iniesta. It's good that one of the best clubs in the world follows me as a player and a person. I thank God very much."
Man United spent big in the summer to bring Antony, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Martin Dubravka to the club, but Sao Paulo are said to be demanding an £15m fee that they are owed for the sale of the former.
Ben Knapton
