Juventus eye Brazilian youngster

Defending Serie A champions Juventus have reportedly stepped up their interest in Flamengo’s young attacking midfielder Adryan.

The highly-rated 18-year-old has represented Brazil up to under-20 level and has already appeared in almost 40 senior matches for the Rubro-Negro.

According to Sky Sport Italia, should the Bianconeri succeed in signing the player, they intend to loan him back to Flamengo immediately so he may continue his development in his current surroundings; such an incentive could play a massive part in negotiations.

Adryan turned out for the Brazil team when they won the Under-17 South American Football Championship in 2011. This earned him a place in the Selecao squad for the Under-17 World Cup later the same year, during which he scored five goals as Brazil placed fourth overall.

Perhaps most notably, the teenager reportedly turned down the chance to join Manchester United after these performances for the national youth sides, preferring instead to stay with Flamengo.