Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Sao Paulo star Lucas Moura. The Daily Mail says chief scout Jim Lawlor was in Sao Paulo this week to tie up a £25million deal for the highly rated playmaker.

Lawlor flew to Brazil on Wednesday evening and club secretary John Alexander is also believed to be on standby to complete the transfer as United look to secure Moura's signature before he plays in a pre-Olympic friendly against Great Britain at Middlesbrough next week.

Sao Paulo claim they have already rejected a £32.4m offer from Chelsea but United are hopeful of signing the 19-year-old if they can improve on Inter Milan's unsuccessful bid of £20m. Brazil midfielder Anderson could also be included as part of the package.