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Man Utd and Liverpool target to move in £24m transfer deal - ‘We have an agreement’
MANCHESTER UNITED and Liverpool appear to have missed out on Flamengo star Lucas Paqueta.
Michael Carrick praises Jose Mourinho's winning mentality
The young Brazilian midfielder, 21, has agreed to join AC Milan, according to Leonardo, who is now sporting director for the Serie A giants.
"We have a basic agreement with Flamengo, but the market reopens in January so we still have a little way to go before the official level", he said.
"Now we have to think only of the league and the Europa League and not the market.
"At the moment he is a Flamengo player, he still has to play some Brazilian league matches.
"We have to wait for 3rd January."
Paqueta has been with his boyhood club since he was 10 years old and impressed with nine goals in 24 league games so far this season.
That form saw him called up to the Brazil national team earlier this year and he has since earned two full caps for Tite’s side.
Reports from The Sun suggestetd United and Liverpool were interested.
And midfield is an area that United boss Jose Mourinho and Reds chief Jurgen Klopp appear keen to strengthen.
Mourinho has been linked with a swoop for Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, 23, after personally flying out to watch him play for Serbia on two separate occasions.
Klopp has been looked to bring someone in ever since the seriousness of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s injury became clear.
Napoli’s Poland midfielder Piotr Zielinksi, 24, is reported to be on his list of targets, while Aaron Ramsey, 27, could join from Arsenal when his contract expires in the summer.
Paris Saint Germain playmaker Adrien Rabiot is another player who is said to be interesting both clubs.
His deal at the Parc de Princes expires in the summer but the pair could face stiff competition from La Liga giants Barcelona, who also retain an interest