Manchester United Take on Real Madrid, Chelsea and Inter for Brazilian Attacker

Manchester United have invited the father of young Brazilian star Lucas Moura to visit Old Trafford and discuss a potential move to England, according to the Daily Mirror.

Lucas is a 19-year-old star of Brazilian club Sao Paulo. He has already earned 11 caps for the national team.

The attacking midfielder scored his first goal for Sao Paulo in September of 2010. During the following season, he led the Brasileiro in scoring.

Lucas has been linked with Inter Milan, Chelsea and Real Madrid in the past.

However, the potential transfer battle has begun to heat up as of late.

Canal+ published pictures of the player's parents touring the Santiago Bernabeu with Madrid president Florentino Perez last week. Afterward, his agent (Wagner Ribeiro) confirmed that the meeting took place in a conversation with Globoesporte (h/t Sambafoot.com).

Ribeiro added that previous meetings had taken place with Inter.

It cannot be a coincidence that Sir Alex Ferguson's reported offer to Lucas' parents comes just days after these recent revelations.

Ribeiro says United's interest in his player has been long-standing. Earlier this month, he told Globoesporte that United had been in contact with him about a possible move (h/t Sky Sports).

Sao Paulo are in no mood to part with their most important player at this point in time. The Brazilian club has reportedly included a buy-out clause in Lucas' contract to the tune of $105 million (US).

His current deal runs until December 2015.

The figure seems a massive price to pay. However, with Lucas set to star for the Brazilian Olympic team in London in the summer, a few stellar performances could send the big clubs reaching for their checkbooks.