Brazilian duo closer to PL moves

Soccer: Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United are in talks to sign Brazil international Lucas Moura from Sao Paulo.

The likes of Real Madrid and Inter Milan have been linked with the 19-year-old midfielder, but United have moved into pole position in recent weeks.

Reports have claimed a deal worth around €30 million had been agreed, but Ferguson insists this is not the case. For the first time, however, he has confirmed he wants to sign the youngster, who has 11 caps for Brazil to his name.

"We haven't reached an agreement," said Ferguson from China, where United are on the latest leg of their pre-season tour. "We've shown interest. Until such time we reach an agreement we can't say he's ours."

Another Brazilian who could be on his way to the Premier League is Internacional midfielder Oscar, whose club president has claimed a verbal agreement with Chelsea is in place.

Media in his homeland reported the player had undergone a medical at Stamford Bridge, but had not yet made up his mind over a move to West London this summer. Internacional president Giovanni Luigi, however, has suggested a deal is close.

"There is a verbal agreement between the two parties. But we have to put that on paper and the lawyer of both clubs have to discuss the matter," he told Radio Guiaba.

Oscar, outstanding in Brazil's 2-0 defeat of Team GB on Friday, has reportedly also attracted admiring glances from Tottenham but it's Chelsea who now seem very much in the driving seat for his signature.