• Premier League

Man United & Liverpool to fight for Brazilian wonderkid

ESPN staff
November 15, 2011
Lucas Rodrigues has played ten times for Brazil's national team © PA Photos
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Manchester United and Liverpool are preparing to battle it out for the £20 million signature of Brazilian starlet Lucas Rodrigues.

Rodrigues, who was voted best player in the South American Under-20 Championships this year, has a contract until 2016. But having scouted the 19-year-old extensively, both Premier League giants are willing to test Sao Paulo's resolve.

Rodrigues has made ten appearances for the Brazil national side, and got himself on the scoresheet against Argentina during September. He is a diminutive attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, which will prompt comparisons with Paul Scholes given United's interest.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been criticised for failing to replace Scholes, who retired in the summer, and while Tom Cleverley has impressed in midfield, injury has curtailed his involvement this season.

Liverpool strengthened the midfield area extensively in the most recent transfer window, bringing in Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam - but those players have failed to fire since moving to Anfield.

United and Liverpool are expected to face stiff competition from Inter Milan and Juventus for Rodrigues' signature.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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