CHELSEA are leading the chase for £25million-rated whizkid Joaquin Ardaiz.
Manchester United and City have also registered interest in the Uruguayan striker, 18, who has made a stunning start to his career at Edinson Cavani’s old club Danubio.
Informal talks have begun with top teams, with Barcelona and Sporting Lisbon interested.
Ardaiz scored both goals to beat Ecuador 2-1 in the South American Under-20s Championship final earlier this month and will head to the Under-20s World Cup in South Korea in May.
But he is set to secure a move to Europe before that tournament and his English agent Nick Maytum has put Chelsea in pole position.
Ardaiz has made it clear he wants to play in England, Italy or Spain next.
He said: “If it is my destiny I’d love to play in the top leagues.”
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The price tag means he should get a work permit from the FA for a Premier League move.
Ardaiz was also linked with a move to Liverpool last year.
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