The Brazilian media today reveals Chelsea’s and Manchester United’s interest in Corinthians defender Rafael Venâncio.
The story comes from Globo Esporte, who highlights that the Timão have just given the 17-year-old a pay raise to try to hold him.
That may be not enough to convince the youngster to stay, though, as he’s been approached by several European clubs lately.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid are said to be some of those who have been following him for ‘years’. It’s said those clubs see big potential in Venâncio, and could try to get him signed early to ‘accelerate his development’.
According to Globo Esporte, the defender’s contract, which runs until April 2026, has a €30m release clause for foreign clubs.
Venâncio is still part of Corinthians’ U-20 squad. He was recently taken to a couple of first team matches, but is still to make his professional debut at the club.
It’s worth recalling that just a few months ago, Corinthians sold Murillo to Nottingham Forest for just €12m, and we now see rumours saying he could leave the City Ground for much more than that, given his great start in the Premier League.
That may be a sign that the Brazilian club will be tougher when negotiating the other defender with Chelsea or Manchester United.
