Manchester United target Lucas Moura to decide on future after Olympics
Lucas Moura will make a decision on his future after the Olympics with Manchester United still hoping to thrash out a deal for the midfielder.
It was reported during the week that United had ended their pursuit of the Brazilian international after becoming frustrated with Sao Paulo over their valuation.
Sir Alex Ferguson is unwilling to splash out £30 million to bring Moura to Old Trafford and his reluctance to negotiate during the London Games is also stretching the patience of the Red Devils chief.
Having failed with an opening £20m bid, despite sending chief scout Jim Lawlor and club secretary John Alexander to Brazil push through the transfer, Ferguson wants a decision from the 19-year-old by the end of next week.
His agent, Wagner Ribeiro, has been instructed to continue discussions with the Premier League giants as he concentrates on winning a gold medal with his country.
“I am focusing on my team, Sao Paulo and in Brazil’s national team at the moment. I’ll decide my future after the Olympics,” Moura told Spanish news agency EFE.
“It’s already a victory to be here. Now I have to be ready for any situation if Mano Menezes believes I have to play.”
Ferguson wants Moura to force a lower price by demanding to leave Sao Paulo this summer but is unlikely to be pleased by his recent statement as he looks to bolster his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Everton left back Leighton Baines remains high on the 70-year-old’s shopping list whilst winning the race for Robin Van Persie’s signature is also a priority.
Rumours are intensifying that a £12m bid will be submitted for Baines with the England international seen as the natural successor to Patrice Evra.
Striking a deal for £20m-rated Van Persie is far more complex with Arsenal refusing to accept less.
