Manchester United and Chelsea transfer news: Premier League giants to rival Paris Saint-Germain for £17million Brazilian sensation Thiago Maia
Santos midfielder admits he 'identifies with PSG' but Prem giants are monitoring the Olympic gold medallist's progress
MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are ready to battle Paris Saint-Germain for Brazilian sensation Thiago Maia.
The Santos midfielder is rated as one of the hottest properties in South American football and was part of the Brazil squad that won Olympic gold at Rio 2016.
Italian giants Juventus have already been priced out of a move – with PSG believed to be preparing a £17million offer for the for the 19-year-old, who has already made 57 appearances in his country’s top flight.
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But the starlet is also firmly on the radar of the Premier League’s top sides.
And, according to , the French champions will face stiff competition from United and Chelsea for his signature.
Both have been monitoring Maia’s progress over the last season, though neither is believed to have yet made a formal offer.
But they may have to move quickly as Maia last month admitted PSG’s Brazilian contingent could draw him to the Ligue 1 heavyweights.
Speaking to Brazilian radio station, Bradesco Esportes FM, he admitted: “Many players say they want to play at Real Madrid or Barcelona, but I identify myself PSG.
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“I have friends there. Marquinhos told me about the structure of the club.
“His smile let you imagine how happy he is there. If I went to PSG one day I would be very happy
“But this does not mean that I will go there.”