Lucas Moura could yet be plying his trade in the Premier League next season, but at the moment, he is fully focused on making history with his national side.
Brazil may have won five World Cups and eight Copa Americas during their illustrious history, but a Gold medal at the Olympic Games has so far eluded them. The Selecção have twice finished second and third in the past, but there is genuine hope amongst their number that Mano Menezes can finally lead them to the top of podium in London.
And it is easy to understand just why they are favourites. A look at their squad reveals the likes of Santos duo Neymar and Ganso, Milan ace Alexandre Pato, Paris St Germain’s recent big-money addition Thiago Silva, powerhouse Porto striker Hulk, and of course Oscar, who Chelsea have paid £25million to acquire in recent days.
And then there is Lucas Moura, the 19-year-old who is regarded as every bit as equal as any of his team-mates. The Sao Paolo playmaker has seen little action in the Games so far, coming on as a substitute for the 3-1 win over Belarus which maintained their 100% start to the tournament, but interest in his signature is unlikely to wane between now and the closure of the European transfer window on August 31.
Manchester United appear to be leading the chase to land him, with Sir Alex Ferguson confirming his admiration earlier this month. It is thought the Old Trafford club have already failed with one bid to sign him, yet they are expected to return with an improved offer. Italian giants Internazionale are also keeping tabs on the situation, although unlike the Reds, they are unable to provide him with UEFA Champions League football.
For his part, Lucas is ignoring all transfer speculation as he sets his sights on that Gold medal. Furthermore, if any interested club fail to match the valuation placed upon his head, the teenager is more than happy to remain with his current club, for whom he has 14 league goals in 59 appearances since making his debut two years ago.
“At the moment I’m focused on the Olympics,” he told ESPN Brasil. “I don’t want to worry about this. If I am meant to leave now, it will happen. Otherwise, I’ll remain calm because I’m still very young. After the Olympics are over, I’ll decide. If I stay at Sao Paulo, I’ll be happy because it’s the club where I started my career.”
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