MANCHESTER UNITED and Manchester City will go head-to-head in the race to sign Palmeiras striker Gabriel Veron, according to reports.
Barcelona were keen on the 18-year-old star but have pulled out as they cannot compete financially.
The Manchester teams want to the transfer to go through this month but have the teenager stay in Brazil on loan until at least the summer, according to Sport.
Palmeiras are said to want £28million – similar to the figure City paid them for Gabriel Jesus in 2016.
But most reports put his actual value around the £17.5m mark.
Veron is tied down to a contract until 2025 with a release clause of £52m so the Brazilian side do not have to sell up.
He has bagged nine goals and three assists in 34 appearances this season.
And despite missing out through injury in recent weeks is set to start Saturday’s Copa Libertadores final against Santos in Rio de Janeiro.
Veron has been compared in some circles to City’s Brazilian forward Jesus.
Although he can also play out wide as well as through the middle.
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Elsewhere United have been heavily linked with moves for Jadon Sancho and Dayot Upamecano this month.
SunSport explored how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side might line-up if they land their top targets as the Red Devils push for the Premier League title.
And United are also eyeing a move for Hoffenheim midfielder Christoph Baumgartner.
The ‘New Michael Ballack’, 21, has been hailed as one of Austria’s biggest talents for years – and is already turning heads in the Bundesliga.
SunSport understands United have been tracking Baumgartner closely with a view to bringing him to Old Trafford to bolster their attacking midfield options.
A bid in the summer is most likely, but with the player’s contract running out in 2023, his current price tag of £16m is only going to increase.
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