Saturday 23 July 2016 18:09, UK
Manchester City are reportedly leading the chase to sign Brazilian youngster Gabriel Jesus from Palmeiras.
A host of Europe's elite names are locked in a battle with the Premier League side to secure the talented 19-year-old, who has impressed after a series of excellent performances for his club.
Expected to shine for his country when they host the Olympic games next month, little is known of the latest star to emerge from South America despite his burgeoning reputation.
Dubbed the 'new Neymar,' we profile what he would bring to Pep Guardiola's City revolution.
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Club: Palmeiras
Nationality: Brazilian
International caps: 0 (4 for Brazil U23's)
Born in Sao Paulo, Jesus first realised his aspirations on the streets of Jardim Peri, before beginning his journey with amateur team Associacao Atletica Anhanguera. Impressing for Anhanguera, Jesus caught the eye of Palmeiras in 2013 and quickly established himself in their youth setup, hitting a staggering 54 goals in 48 appearances during his first season.
Signing a professional contract in 2015, his debut could have come a year earlier, such was his advanced stage. However, with Palmeiras fighting to retain their top-flight status, Jesus was not involved in the relegation battle, despite vehement calls from supporters demanding his inclusion.
Eventually, he was handed his chance, coming on in the 73rd minute in the 1-0 win over Bragantino in March 2015, where he was he was greeted with a wall of approval from the Palmeiras faithful.
After finishing as top scorer in the Copa Sao Paulo Futebol Junior U20 tournament, his status as one of the nation's brightest prospects was enhanced further and the Sao Paulo native made his first start in a 2-2 draw with Atletico Mineiro. A month later, he struck the only goal of the game in the Copa do Brasil to eliminate Agremiacao Sportiva Arapiraquense in a two-legged tie.
A brace against Cruzeiro in a 3-2 victory fired Palmeiras into the quarter-finals of that tournament and four days later, Jesus continued his rich vein of form by scoring twice in another 3-2 win, this time it was Joinville who were the victims. Such was his impact, Jesus duly recieved the best newcomer award to the Brazilian top flight.
Part of the Brazil U20 side that reached the final of the FIFA U20 World Cup in 2015, Jesus scored their first goal of the tournament in the 4-2 win over Nigeria, but could do little to prevent being beaten 2-1 by Serbia.
With Bayern Munich talent Douglas Costa sidelined with injury, Brazil coach Dunga selected Jesus in his 40-man provisional squad for the Copa America, but with no US visa, missed out on the final squad. However, his disappointment would not last forever, after he was named as one of the five forwards to take part in Brazil's Olympic bid.
Slight in stature, the forward resembles former Real Madrid and Manchester City attacker Robinho with his low centre of gravity, while trickery is one of the main features of his game. But do not be fooled into thinking he is simply the archetypal Brazilian showman.
For all the imagination and bluster, lies a sense of real composure and awareness that belies his teenage years and the 19 goals he scored last season is testament to that.
An accomplished runner with the ball at his feet, the years spent dribbling barefoot on concrete pitches and the surrounding neighbourhood have helped to implement the dynamic play and close control, making the striker lethal, particularly in a counter-attack situation.
As mentioned earlier, the 5ft 9in star may not be among the most physically imposing of players, but his hold-up play and strong running have been frequently praised by his coaches, not to mention his willingness to track back and help out in defence, defying the myth that South Americans neglect these duties.
It is not yet certain how much of a role Jesus would play at the Etihad, should he sign on the dotted line. However, given his work ethic combined with the natural talent he possesses, he has the potential to be one of the best players in Europe, especially under the guidance of new manager Guardiola, who has nurtured some of the world's finest talent during his spells in charge of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
