Santos President Modesto Roma confirmed earlier today that he has held talks with several top European side over a deal to sign their star striker Gabriel Barbosa.
According to reports from Goal.com, Manchester United and Chelsea were the leading Premier League figures with Atletico Madrid being one of the interested parties as well.
Speaking with Goal, Roma said: ‘We had productive conversations.
‘We didn’t come to buy or sell players, neither in London or Madrid. We came to build relationships.
‘There weren’t offers, but we did talk about partnerships. I talked to Manchester United, Chelsea and Atletico Madrid.”
Gabigol is one of the most in-demands players this summer with Juventus, Inter Milan and Leicester City all making an official bid for the 19-year-old attacker.
He is tipped to be the next Neymar and it is hardly a surprise to see all the top teams fighting for his signature. Chelsea seem to be the more desperate to sign Gabigol given their lack of striking option upfront.
Chelsea edging United in Gabigol chase
With Bertrand Traore’s exit from the club, Antonio Cone is left with just Michy Batshuayi and Diego Costa as his front-line striker. Gabigol may be only 19 but he possesses all the qualities to be a leading attacker for a top side in Europe.
Manchester United may want to think long and hard before making an official bid as they already have Marcus Rashford’s development to worry about. Thus bringing in another young striker may not be a wise move from Jose Mourinho at the moment.