Sao Paulo are refusing to let go of their prized playmaker Lucas Moura, after Manchester United made a big-money bid.
According to reports in Brazil, United have stepped up their interest in Moura by putting in an official bid for the 19-year-old. According to Brazilian newspaper Lance! United have made a €33 million (£26 million, $40.2 million) offer.
It is understood, United representatives had flown out to Brazil, hoping to seal the deal for the Brazilian international, who is also wanted by Inter Milan. Concerned by Inter's interest in the playmaker, Sir Alex Ferguson had sent chief scout Jim Lawlor to Sao Paulo, along with club secretary John Alexander to agree to a transfer.
However, despite United's best efforts, it looks like Moura will stay with Sao Paul, for now, after the Brazilian club's president declared his intention to keep him. "It is a risk not selling Lucas, but we are going to take it," president Juvenal Juvencio said.
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti confirmed their interest in the midfielder on Friday. "Yes we have, but the progress that has been made is to see whether or not there is a chance (to buy the player)," Moratti told Inter's official website.
"Now we have to see if we can manage to carry it out. These are things that have to take place by putting everything together, which also means taking a look at our revenue.
"He is a player that has great talent. We are watching him closely."
Sao Paulo director of soccer Joao Paulo de Jesus de Lopez suggested Inter's bid was well below the club's value. "There is no (formal) offer and, even if it were to appear, this amount is ridiculous," he said. "How can you pay €25 million (£20 million, $31 million) for a player of Lucas's quality?
"Italian football is broke -- the club (Inter) are broke. It seems they are creating this to satisfy the fans."
United might have to increase their bid further if they are to convince Sao Paulo to agree to sell Moura, as Ferguson looks for a long-term replacement for the legendary Paul Scholes, who agreed to extend his playing career by one more year.