Manchester United transfer news: Jose Mourinho lines up deal for Brazil international in a January bargain
Brazil international is ready for a new challenge after his agent confirmed his contract is expiring at the end of the year
MANCHESTER UNITED are eyeing a bargain deal to sign Santos star Lucas Lima on a free transfer.
The Brazil international is set to leave his club for nothing in January when his contract comes to an end.
But according to the forward's agent, the Red Devils will face serious competition from a host of their European rivals.
Lucas Badia, who represents the 27-year-old, hints that Lima could join an Italian side whilst revealing Crystal Palace have already tried to sign him.
He told Turkish paper Haberturk: "Inter, Roma and Barcelona are keeping close tabs on Lucas, Manchester United want him.
"I think we would be well suited to the Serie A but we will see.
"His contract ends on 31 December and there are many clubs interested but I am not sure what Santos is trying to do.
"Crystal Palace made a €15 million offer while Fenerbahce made a €20 million bid but for some reason neither has been accepted.”
Manchester United transfer news
It was reported that Barcelona had already signed Lima on a four-year deal after Neymar pleaded with the club to land his former team-mate.
Lima also used to date Neymar’s beloved sister Rafaella, who is now dating Inter Milan ace Gabriel Barbosa.
But a deal failed to materialise before Neymar signed a world-record deal with Paris Saint-Germain.
The attacking midfielder has 14 caps for his country to his name, scoring his first goal for Brazil in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Argentina.
United boss Jose Mourinho wanted to sign another forward in the summer but missed out on number one target Ivan Perisic.
