Man Utd ‘in four-club transfer race for Brazil U20 star Marcos Leonardo’ as Santos ace lights up World Cup
MANCHESTER United are in a four-club race to sign Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo.
The 20-year-old Santos forward has been in prolific form at the U20 World Cup in Argentina this month.
GettyMarcos Leonardo has three goals in three games at the U20 World Cup[/caption]
Leonardo scored twice in Brazil’s opening defeat to Italy before finding the net again in a 6-0 thrashing of the Dominican Republic.
His three goals at the tournament have seen him climb to second in the scoring charts.
He will be in action again on Wednesday as Brazil take on Tunisia in the round of 16.
A number of scouts will likely be in attendance for the match, with a host of Premier League clubs reportedly taking an interest in Leonardo.
According to the Daily Mail, United are one of four clubs tracking the Santos forward.
Arsenal, Newcastle United and West Ham United have also been watching him at the tournament.
Santos are said to be expecting bids for Leonardo in the coming days, with the report also claiming Chelsea scouts have taken note of his performances.
Previously compared to Neymar, Leonardo made his debut for Santos aged 17 in 2020 and has since scored 42 goals in 141 senior appearances.
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West Ham failed in a bid to sign Leonardo in January, but it is the Red Devils who could have an advantage in a summer bidding war.
Leonardo, who is contracted until 2026, has hailed United icon Cristiano Ronaldo as his footballing idol.
Erik ten Hag is understood to be looking to bolster his attack ahead of next season, with Harry Kane earmarked as the main target.
The Tottenham Hotspur star is keen on the move and only wants to join United this summer.
