Chelsea
have hosted the family of Brazilian teenager Endrick at the club's training
ground as they continue to explore the possibility of signing the Palmeiras
forward.
The 16-year-old is one of the most coveted youngsters in world football,
with Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool and Manchester City among a
host of clubs reportedly interested in his signature.
Endrick became the youngest player to appear for Palmeiras' first team last
month at the age of just 16 years, two months and 16 days and has scored
three goals in the Brazilian Serie A following a hugely successful spell in
the club's youth academy.
Chelsea introduced defender and compatriot Thiago Silva - the Brazil captain
who will lead his country at the World Cup - to Endrick and his family, with
his father Douglas also visiting Stamford Bridge.
Endrick can sign any prospective deal with a new club next year before
actually making the move following his 18th birthday in July 2024.
Endrick emerged as a target for a number of European giants in January when,
at the age of 15, he won the awards for most valuable player and goal of the
tournament at one of the most renowned U20 tournaments in the world - the
Copinha in Sao Paulo.
Endrick scored five times in just 90 minutes of action, spread across three
games playing against older players.
Palmeira valued him at up to €40m (£35m) at the time and are confident they
can receive more than the £29.3m they were paid by Manchester City for
Gabriel Jesus in 2016.
The Brazilian side believe Endrick is a generational talent who could one
day end up being compared to players such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano
Ronaldo.
Endrick's family have strong ties with Palmeiras, with his father working as
a caretaker at the club.
Chelsea and Manchester City were considered the English sides with the best
chance of signing Endrick. However, the teenager's favourite European club
is Real Madrid and he is represented by the same agents as Vinicius Junior,
who joined the club as a teenager from Brazilian side Flamengo four years
ago.
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