Youngster Neymar’s quadruple has big clubs salivating

TACNA (Peru): He only turns 19 next week, but the scouts from the big European clubs have Neymar da Silva Santos in their sights once more after a four-goal salvo for Brazil at the Under-20 world championships in Peru.

Neymar has clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United in a lather after his quadruple saw off Paraguay and a clutch of agents are touting for business with at least four Italian sides also reportedly chasing after his signature.

Chelsea were first out of the blocks in the summer, making an initial bid of 35mil but Neymar elected to stay put for now in the belief it is too early to make the move to Europe.

The nimble forward-cum-winger currently plays for Santos, who know a little about breeding star names having produced not just Robinho but a certain Pele.

Pele may have won a World Cup winner’s medal when even younger than Neymar but the latter has a precocious array of skills and Santos have a battle on their hands if he is to see out his contract through to 2015.

Many in Brazil consider the teen with the “Mohican” style haircut as a huge star in the making – even if he himself eschews comparisons with Pele – further comparisons have been made with late 1950s and early 1960s wideman Garrincha.

Neymar was keen to play down his widely acclaimed individual brilliance after the win over Paraguay, saying on Monday: “Brazil can score goals. We played very well against an excellent Paraguayan side. I am very happy.”