Douglas Costa’s agent says Manchester United have held ‘informal talks’ with Gremio about buying the Brazlian.
United’s interest in the Brazil Under-20 international is believed to stretch back up to two years but is likely to intensify in tandem with the inevitable departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have both been touted as potential suitors for Douglas, who has previously been dubbed ‘the new Ronaldinho’ by observers in his homeland.
The player’s agent, Cesar Bottega, admits that dialogue is ongoing regarding the £20 million-rated 18-year-old but has hinted that a number of hurdles will first have to be overcome before any deal is completed.
“There have been informal conversations and I believe United would match those values,” Bottega told the Brazilian press.
“At the end of the Brasileirão, Douglas will be worth at least twice that.”
Douglas is thought to have recently signed a new four-year deal with Gremio to tie him to the Brazilian club until 2013.
Tags: Brazilian, Costa, Speculation, Wonderkid
