Real Madrid will rival Man Utd for the signature of Douglas Costa, according to reports in Spain.
Madrid also on Douglas's trail
Real Madrid will rival Manchester United for the signature of Brazil starlet Douglas Costa, according to reports in Spain.
United have recently dispatched scouts to keep a close check on the Gremio teenager - who is attracting a great deal of interest.
The player's agent has advised his client to remain in South America before a big-money move to Europe.
But it now appears that a move is looking more and more likely.
"He is a player we like and does seem to be very interesting," United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is quoted by Spanish daily
Marca.
Marca also claim that Real have long been on Douglas's trail and have been watching him for more than 12 months.
United's interest has now put Real on alert that they may have some strong competition for the 18-year-old midfielder.
Douglas is being hailed as the new Ronaldinho - mainly because he is beginning his career at Gremio, as the AC Milan star did.
Give him time
United's own midfield ace Anderson is also a product of Gremio and he has told Douglas to make sure he wins silverware in Brazil before making his move.
"He [Douglas] is a player that will soon be in Europe," Anderson told
Globosporte.
"But he has to win a title before joining a big club in Europe."
Anderson revealed that Liverpool's Lucas told him of Douglas's promise.
"Lucas told me there was this good boy emerging," he said.
"But people have to be calm, he is an above average player and you have to give him confidence.
"Everybody needs support and he needs to be able to play.
"He will probably soon be past me, past Ronaldinho and everyone," he joked.
Anderson's wish for Douglas to win something may not be far away from fruition as with eight matches left Gremio are top of the table.
