PREMIER LEAGUE champions Leicester are ready to launch a £25million bid for wonderkid Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa, according to reports.
The striker is currently on Olympics duty with Brazil but is being chased by a host of top European clubs.
Barcelona have already submitted a £17m offer for Gabigol, with Juventus and Inter Milan also keen.
Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the Santos star, but HITC Sport claims Leicester are the latest team to throw their hat in the ring.
It’s alleged that Gabigol’s representatives have made contact with a number of English clubs in a bid to drive up interest, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Evertonand West Ham all set to ‘engage in talks’.
But Claudio Ranieri is said to be leading the race for Gabigol’s signature if he chooses to move to the Premier League, with a group of Santos chiefs travelling to England next week for talks with last season’s title winners.
The reports adds that Leicester have made it clear they are willing to pay £25m for the 19-year-old – but Santos won’t settle for anything less than £30m after seeing Palmeiras’ Gabriel Jesus move to Manchester City for £27m.
Barbosa’s Brazil teammate – also 19 – was snapped up by Pep Guardiola on Wednesday but won’t be moving to the Etihad until 2017.
In the meantime, Leicester will be looking forward to their Community Shield final against Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils on Sunday.
Both teams will be looking to make a statement ahead of the new Premier League season at Wembley, and the Foxes will be feeling confident about their chances following United’s disastrous pre-season tour of China.
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