On June 28th, Radio Itaiaia reported Crystal Palace have joined the race to sign Flamengo’s Matheus França.
The Eagles co-owner John Textor also owns Botafogo, and it was suggested he could be using his Brazil connections to help the Premier League side in this deal.
UOL state Textor is the ‘biggest enthusiast’ of signing the 19-year-old for Crystal Palace in the summer window.
It’s stated Roy Hodgson’s side have ‘entered strongly’ to secure the attacking midfielder’s services and have ‘presented an official proposal’ worth €15m ‘this week’.
Earlier this month, Flamengo had set an asking price of €25m including bonuses. Despite this, the report states the ‘tendency’ of the Brazilian club is to make a decision on the player’s future in the ‘coming days’, after receiving an offer from Crystal Palace.
Even though Flamengo don’t have the need to sell França, they see him as an important asset and it gives them ‘greater power’ when negotiating a potential deal.
UOL add Chelsea are also keen on the Brazil U20 international and have held ‘concrete talks’ to sign him in this window.
