Chelsea are said to be a step closer towards signing Brazilian wonderkid Endrick. The 16-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to many of Europe's top-flight sides lately as he continues to impress for boyhood club Palmeiras.
Endrick has featured five times for the Brazilian side this season, directly contributing towards fours goals. His impressive displays have further strengthened the interest in his services, earning comparisons to Paris Saint-Germain stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
The Brazil youth international broke a 106-year Palmeiras record last month after coming on as a substitute at half-time in the Serie A clash against Athletico Paranaense and scoring to become the club's youngest goal scorer. With a handful of top clubs queuing up for his signature, Chelsea look to have earned themselves an advantage.
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According to the Evening Standard, Endrick has had 'several' meetings with the Blues over a potential move to Stamford Bridge. The report states that Real Madrid think they're leading the race to sign the teenage sensation but the west Londoners join PSG in an open transfer pursuit.
It's said that Endrick's father Douglas is heavily involved in deciding his son's future and he's believed to be working with the agents of Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.
The Evening Standard claim that any future deal that Endrick signs will be in the New Year. Should Chelsea win the race, the striker will then only be able to join the Blues in 2024 once he turns 18.
The report concludes that Douglas will prioritise offers that demonstrate a clear plan which will see his son fulfil his potential. While the west Londoners have earned a great reputation for developing some of the world's most exciting youngsters, the pathway from Cobham to the first-team hasn't always been as easy a transition.
Speaking to Spanish outlet Marca in February, Endrick addressed the speculation over a move to Real Madrid and his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo. He said: "Cristiano Ronaldo, a spectacular man, a phenomenon.
"I have to follow in his footsteps. It is a club that I have great affection for and for Cristiano Ronaldo, whom I always followed, with the four Champions Leagues he won there," he added. "I have a great affection for Real due to Cristiano, although I have also looked for things in their history and they are a very good team.
"It is very gratifying for me to know that they are watching me and witnessing my games, I thank God very much. I have to do more, it's still not good, I have to give more. I still have a way to go."
Then, speaking on the comparisons with Mbappe, Endrick said: "I like and I identify with Mbappe, for being young and because I have his characteristics. I am a player with character, who always tries to do the most difficult thing.
"I try to decide games, play a lot as a team, which is the most important thing. I never stop, I always want more. If I make a goal, I want two; if I make two, I want three. I would tell people who don't know me that I am very persistent."
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