Chelsea join European giants in race for Endrick?

Chelsea have reportedly joined a number of top European clubs in the race to sign Palmeiras starlet Endrick.

At the age of just 16 years, three months and four days, Endrick became the youngest-ever player to score for Palmeiras in the 3-1 Brasileiro victory away at Athletico Paranaense on Wednesday.

The highly-rated teenage forward has broken into the first team this season, featuring four times as a substitute, while he has also netted six times in seven Under-20s games.

Endrick, who has also notched up five goals and one assist in four Brazil Under-17s matches, signed his first professional contract with Palmeiras earlier this year, with his deal running until the summer of 2025.

However, a plethora of European clubs are believed to have entered the race for his signature, with Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola, via The Sun, claiming that Chelsea are plotting a move for the forward.

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Nicola adds that the West Londoners have been keeping tabs on Endrick for some time, but they are set to face stern competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain – the latter of whom are allegedly planning a £25m bid for the teenager.

PSG sporting director Luis Campos is understood to have been in Brazil over the weekend to hold talks with Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira about a proposed deal for Endrick.

Premier League sides Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest in the forward.

The Sun's report claims that Endrick could be sold for a fee below his €40m (£35m) release clause, but journalist Fabrizio Romano states that his clause is in fact valued at €60m (£52m).

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Earlier this year, Endrick expressed his desire to join an elite club in Europe and admitted that it is "gratifying" to learn of interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"I try not to think about the future, but about the present. I dream, of course, of playing in Europe, with the Brazilian national team and winning trophies," Endrick told Marca.

"I have a lot of love for Real Madrid because of Cristiano [Ronaldo], although I have also looked up some of their history and they are a very good team.

"It is very gratifying for me to know that they are watching me and seeing my games. I am very grateful to God for that. I have to do more, it's not good enough yet, I have to give more. I still have a way to go.

"They are a very good team too, spectacular, with incredible players, some of whom have already left, such as [Lionel] Messi, Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta. It's good that one of the best clubs in the world follows me as a player and a person. I thank God very much."

Endrick will be hoping to start his first senior game for Brasileiro leaders Palmeiras when they play host to Fortaleza on November 2.