Despite weeks of negotiating, the Daily Mail are reporting that a Manchester United bid worth £30m for Lucas Moura has been rejected by Sao Paulo. Sir Alex Ferguson has been desperate to snatch the 19-year-old attacking midfielder in order to boost the strength of his squad for the upcoming season, although the club have failed to agree a deal with Brazilian side Sao Paulo. Whilst Manchester United were reportedly informed a deal of £30 million would be satisfactory it seems Mouras club want to either hang on to the player or sell him for a higher price. Manchester Uniteds chief scout Jim Lawlor was sent to Sao Paulo to begin talks with the club and hopefully conclude a deal before the start of pre-season. Sao Paulo president Juvenal Juvencio told the media:
"It is a gamble not selling Lucas, but one we are prepared to take. When I sat down with Inter Milans sporting director Marco Branca recently, I told him not to bother talking about figures. We are not interested in that."
With Manchester United to start their pre-season later this evening and with Sao Paulo looking to retain their talented wonder-kid, Sir Alex may have to either provide a bid of £40 million or look elsewhere. Click "next" below to see the 10 players Fergie must buy to catch City.