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Chelsea and Man Utd approach Santos for Brazilian wonderkid
CHELSEA and Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Santos youngster Thiago Maia.
Chelsea and Manchester United enter race to sign Thiago Maia
The 18-year-old midfielder has been strongly linked with moves to Fiorentina and Bayer Leverkusen this week, but Chelsea and United have now entered the race for his signature.
That is according to ESPN Brazil, who claim the Premier League clubs have both made contact Santos over Thiago's availability.
La Liga giants Atletico Madrid were hoping to sign Thiago on a free this summer when his contract was set to expire, but he instead decided to sign an extension until 2019.
Thiago established himself as a first-team regular at Santos last season, scoring two goals in 28 appearances as his side finished 7th in the Brazilian Serie A.
Thiago Maia has featured five times for Brazil at Under-20 level
United and Chelsea could struggle to land the prospect in the summer after Thiago revealed last month that he has no desire to leave his boyhood club.
He said in response to the speculation around his future: "Santos is home to everyone. I'm staying, I feel good and comfortable to play. Here is my home."