According to Goal, Atletico Madrid are set to win the race to sign Fluminense talent Marcos Paulo amid links with Premier League clubs.
It’s claimed that Atletico are expected to give the youngster a five-year deal, starting from this summer.
Atletico have been in talks over a deal for weeks, and agent Lucas Mineiro is now in the Spanish capital attempting to get an agreement done.
Marcos Paulo’s contract expires this summer, meaning Atletico can now sign a pre-contract agreement, and Premier League clubs may be disappointed.
TEAMtalk reported earlier this season that West Ham United, Arsenal and Leeds United were all pursuing the 19-year-old ahead of a possible deal.
West Ham were thought to be in the lead for his signature at the time, but Atletico now appear to have swooped in and won the race.
Marcos Paulo, 19, has hit 11 goals and 10 assists in 64 games for Fluminense, whilst he even has four caps and one goal for Portugal’s Under-19’s.
There seemingly isn’t time for the Premier League clubs to get back into the race as Atletico prepare to close the deal, meaning they will have to look elsewhere for a new attacker.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
