Chelsea have reportedly welcomed the family of Palmeiras starlet Endrick to the club's training ground as they attempt to win the race for the 16-year-old.
Having made an immediate impression at senior level after a goal-laden spell in the youth ranks, Endrick has emerged as one of the most sought-after teenagers in world football.
The Brazil Under-17 international initially scored six goals in seven games for the club's Under-20s in the Copinha before being promoted to the senior team earlier this year.
Endrick has already scored three goals in six Serie A appearances for Palmeiras, helping them to win the 2022 Brasileiro title, and he has five goals in four games for Brazil's Under-17s.
The teenager made his debut for Palmeiras in a 4-0 win over Coritiba on October 7, becoming the club's youngest-ever player at 16 years, two months and 16 days.
© Reuters
Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are thought to be the frontrunners for Endrick's signature, but Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City have also been credited with an interest.
In an attempt to convince Endrick to make the move to Stamford Bridge, Sky Sports News reports that Chelsea have hosted the Brazilian's family at their Cobham training ground.
The report adds that Endrick and his father Douglas Sousa were among those in attendance, and the Palmeiras starlet was introduced to compatriot Thiago Silva - a man 22 years his senior.
Endrick is due to turn 18 in July 2024, and as a result he can reportedly agree to a move to an interested party before the transfer goes through on his 18th birthday.
Palmeiras supposedly believe that Endrick is a "generational" talent, and the Brazilian giants are backing the teenager to achieve similar levels of stardom to that of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
© Reuters
Potential suitors can supposedly expect to be quoted at least £35m for Endrick, and Real Madrid are at an early advantage, with the 16-year-old viewing the Spanish and European champions as his favourite European club.
Furthermore, Endrick's agents also look after the business of compatriot Vinicius Junior, who has now become one of Real's star players after also leaving his homeland as a teenager.
However, Endrick's father Douglas has affirmed to Fabrizio Romano that a decision on his son's future is yet to be made, saying: "There's nothing decided for Real Madrid or any other club. We've no preference yet,"
"We'll decide in the next months, the club that will pay what Palmeiras want and show us the best technical project for Endrick, will sign the boy."
Meanwhile, former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva believes that the Gunners' Brazilian connections could help them to engineer a move for the Palmeiras starlet.
