Chelsea and Man United join race to sign Brazilian starlet

Chelsea will be hoping to build on their good form prior to the international break when they face Newcastle United on Saturday. 

Mauricio Pochettino’s side beat fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in their last away match, before battling to a 4-4 draw against Manchester City in a thrilling encounter at Stamford Bridge.

Despite a recent improvement in performances, the Blues still sit tenth in the Premier League table and Pochettino will therefore be keen to ensure his side move up the table in the coming weeks.

Now, it appears that Chelsea are set to join the race to sign a Brazilian wonderkid.

As per Mundo Deportivo via The Sun, both Chelsea and Manchester United have joined the battle to sign Palmeiras star Estevao Willian.

Manchester United are one of the clubs interested in Messinho

The 16-year-old, known as ‘Messinho’, has attracted interest from some of Europe’s top clubs after impressing for the Brazilian side’s youth teams.

Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Manchester City have all been credited with an interest in the teenager, who has a £52 million release clause.

Messinho signed his first professional contract with Brazilian giants Palmeiras back in April, and the deal is set to run until 2026.

The youngster has featured for the club’s under 20s, despite his age.

He is currently representing Brazil at the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia, and he has scored three goals and provided four assists in four matches at the tournament so far.

Spanish giants Real Madrid are said to have contacted Palmeiras earlier this week, in order to gauge his availability.

Previously, the player has spoken of his admiration and desire to play for fellow Spanish side Barcelona.

Messinho is able to operate on either flank, but he primarily plans on the right of a front three.