Manchester United are closing in on a player who has been described as "the next Neymar", as Erik ten Hag looks to increase the attacking options in his squad.
The Red Devils pulled off a dramatic comeback at the weekend against Nottingham Forest to win 3-2 at Old Trafford after falling 2-0 behind in the first five minutes. While United showed resilience and steel, however, the attacking options available to Ten Hag were questioned once more.
The Dutchman is still waiting for marquee forward signing Rasmus Hojlund to return from injury and would ideally love to bring another attacker into his squad to ease the burden on the likes of Marcus Rashford.
According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Manchester United are chasing Brazilian wonderkid Marcos Leonardo to bolster their options in the final third.
Named at No.35 in FFT's 2023 list of the most exciting teenagers in world football, Leonardo has been likened to Neymar in the past for his precocious talents. Coming through at Santos, just the like the most expensive footballer of all time, Leonardo has been tipped to make the move to Europe in the coming years.
VIDEO: Why Sofyan Amrabat Would Solve Man United's BIGGEST Problem
The report has claimed that Roma are exploring a move for the 20-year-old in January but that United could blow them out the water – sending a message to rivals about how serious they are about competing for silverware both now and in the coming years.
United are apparently willing to pay £17 million up front to bring the starlet to the Premier League, with add-ons potentially raising the deal above £21m.
United are said to be chasing another defender before Friday's deadline, as well as Fiorentina's Sofyan Amrabat.
Leonardo is valued by Transfermarkt to be worth €17m.
More Manchester United stories
Manchester United transfer news is coming thick and fast as we enter the final weeks of the summer window.
Harry Maguire could be one of seven players on their way out of Old Trafford between now and deadline day. Meanwhile, a World Cup-winning star could be about to join United from another European heavyweight.
The Manchester United season preview looks at why the Red Devils can start to dream of winning the Premier League title again, while all other 91 clubs in the top four tiers of English football are looked at, too.
