• Premier League

Chelsea and Liverpool in battle for Lucas

ESPN staff
November 26, 2011
Lucas Rodrigues takes the ball down © PA Photos
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Chelsea and Liverpool are vying with Inter Milan for the signature of Brazilian teen sensation Lucas Rodrigues.

The 19-year-old is viewed as one of South America's hottest prospects and the Sao Paulo forward has been strongly linked with a move to Europe.

His agent has been in dialogue with Chelsea and Liverpool, with the cream of Eurrope's crop in the hunt - with Manchester United also believed to be keeping tabs on the situation.

"Chelsea, Inter Milan and Liverpool have demanded details from me and Sao Paulo knows the situation," agent Wagner Ribeiro said.

"At the moment they are not interested. Perhaps in the summer they may negotiate but only an enormous offer could change things as I want continuity for the player for a couple of years."

Lucas, who was voted best player in the South American Under-20 Championships this year, is seemingly focused on making a move, as he is working on improving his language skills in a bid to ease the transition.

"Three days a week I study for one hour with a teacher," Lucas is quoted as saying in The Sun. "I'm prepared to move to Europe and it is always good to get on top of the language.

"I haven't decided what I'm doing. For now I'm concentrating on Sao Paulo."

Liverpool have one Lucas on their books, but this version is a far more attack-minded individual.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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