We have joined the race for Ajax wonder David Neres, as per UOL Esporte, but Marcel Brands faces an extreme challenge if he is to delight Marco Silva with another gifted winger.
The Brazilian site reported on Friday that we were emerging as a ‘gaining force’ in the race for his signature, and he would favour the chance to test his skill in England over some of the other potential destinations that could soon surface.
UOL even add that we should stand to benefit from the player’s representatives, as super-agent Kia Joorabchian is currently his assistant, and he helped to bring Richarlison and Bernard to Merseyside.
We would, however, have to stump up another considerably high pay packet for an emerging Brazilian great, as Ajax knocked back a €45million (£38.7m) offer from Guangzhou Evergrande in the winter, and are expected to demand similar if not more in the summer.
Neres’ representatives have also put plans in place to hold conversations with the decision makers at AC Milan, who are said to have shown interest in his signature first, but a move to the San Siro hinges on the Rossoneri qualifying for the Champions League.
Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain are also mentioned among those understood to be interested in the 22-year-old right-sided winger, who signed a contract extension at the Johan Cruijff Arena back in September, tieing him to the Eredivisie side until 2022.
Despite that, Ajax are understood to have given Neres the green light to secure a new home for next season, and he could look to come to England, as UOL add that his German model girlfriend is currently living in London and is keen for the Sao Paulo product to join her.
So far this season, the left-footed star has ten goals and ten assists to his name in all domestic competitions, along with 35 key passes, 64 successful dribbles and 51 shots in the Eredivisie and Champions League combined.