Manchester United transfer news: Jose Mourinho lines up deal for Brazil international in a January bargain

MANCHESTER UNITED are eyeing a bargain deal to sign Santos star Lucas Lima on a free transfer.

The Brazil international is set to leave his club for nothing in January when his contract comes to an end.

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But according to the forward’s agent, the Red Devils will face serious competition from a host of their European rivals.

Lucas Badia, who represents the 27-year-old, hints that Lima could join an Italian side whilst revealing Crystal Palace have already tried to sign him.

He told Turkish paper Haberturk: “Inter, Roma and Barcelona are keeping close tabs on Lucas, Manchester United want him.

“I think we would be well suited to the Serie A but we will see.

“His contract ends on 31 December and there are many clubs interested but I am not sure what Santos is trying to do.

“Crystal Palace made a €15 million offer while Fenerbahce made a €20 million bid but for some reason neither has been accepted.”

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It was reported that Barcelona had already signed Lima on a four-year deal after Neymar pleaded with the club to land his former team-mate. 

Lima also used to date Neymar’s beloved sister Rafaella, who is now dating Inter Milan ace Gabriel Barbosa.

But a deal failed to materialise before Neymar signed a world-record deal with Paris Saint-Germain.

The attacking midfielder has 14 caps for his country to his name, scoring his first goal for Brazil in a 2018 World Cup qualifier against Argentina.

United boss Jose Mourinho wanted to sign another forward in the summer but missed out on number one target Ivan Perisic.