Leeds United and Newcastle United are among the clubs keeping tabs on Brazilian teenager Raykkonen.
Yes, he was named after Formula 1 world champion Kimi Räikkönen. A tribute from his father to a family passion for motorsport.
He was born in July 2008, just nine months after the Finland driver won his title with Ferrari. So now the puns write themselves, as the race around the 17-year-old striker starts to warm up.
According to Lance!, interest in the youngster is growing in Brazil and Europe, even though Internacional still hold the strongest hand.
Raykkonen is currently on loan at Internacional until 31 January. Crucially, the Brazilian side hold a purchase option and priority in talks with his parent club, Goiás.
Still, his progress has drawn attention abroad. Sources in Brazil say Leeds United and Newcastle United are both monitoring his situation.
The striker arrived earlier this year to strengthen Internacional’s under-17 side. From there, he moved quickly through the ranks. Injuries in attack opened the door, and he soon trained with the senior squad.
His first-team debut came in April, during a cup tie against a fourth tier side. In that match, he even had a goal disallowed, which only added to the buzz around him.
In Brazil, Flamengo, Grêmio and Santos are also watching closely. From Europe, Porto and Saint-Étienne have also been linked.
Internacional remain relaxed about the situation. The club have already signalled a willingness to trigger the option after the turn of the year. The player has also told people close to him that he wants to stay and keep earning minutes.
Transfermarkt lists his value at around €250,000, although those around Raykkonen insist the real price would be higher.
For Leeds and Newcastle, the picture is simple. They are watching a name that is starting to gain traction. However, Internacional remain in pole position.
