Santos Ganso: Who Will Win the Race for This Brazilian Starlett?

Every now and again we hear about some youngster making waves in minor leagues, and within no time, they're snatched by one of Europe's elite clubs.

Paulo Henrique is amongst the most talked about footballers in South America, yet he seems to be fading in the shadows of Santos teammate Neymar.

With Neymar's future uncertain and talks about him joining Chelsea soon, maybe its time Ganso threads his own future.

• Full Name:      Paulo Henrique Chagas de Lima
• Age:                21
  
• Nationality:     Brazilian
  
• Position:         Midfielder - Playmaker
  
• Height:            1.84 m (6 ft. 1/2 inch)
• Est. Value:      n/a

Now Ganso seems to be getting added attention in the transfer market with Italian Giants, AC Milan and Inter going head-to-head for his services.

While there seems to be huge interest from English clubs, the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, it seems Ganso heart is set on Italy.

"I want to play in Italy because I have always been interested in the country, from when I was a child," Ganso told Ig Esportes , adding, however, that his current priority was Santos.

The possibility of Real Madrid or Manchester City not joining the race for his signature cannot be disregarded, as their financial power could be a torn in the path for the Italian Giants.

Ganso is also a huge fan of Corinthians, and while he dreams of playing for them some day, he understands it would be difficult to leave Santos and move straight to their bitter rivals.

"It would be very hard to leave Santos and play there. One day though it could happen. I do not know if that chance exists, nobody can predict the future. Our futures belong to God."

He was amongst the seven players named in Dunga's backup for the recent World Cup in South Africa, and while many where disappointed by his exclusion from the final squad, they all are looking forward seeing him in the Yellow and Blue jersey as Brazil looks to host World Cup 2014.

Ganso has been highly praised as the next best playmaker in World football, and after Chelsea set Neymar's value at around £25 Million, many are of the opinion that Ganso could be close by.

His aerial prowess is now a major part of his weaponry, and a massive plus if he decides to move to England.

Brazilian legend Romario says he sees Neymar and Ganso as a more superior combination than his and Bebeto's strike-pairing, which brought the '94 World Cup back to Brazil.

So who will land this incredible 21-year-old? Will he be taken to Italy and in many ways be somewhat hidden away from the Global arena, or will he be thrown on the World stage as we see the domination of English and Spanish football currently?

Italian football is going through a massive transition. The likes of Inter and AC are in a process of change, or if not, they need to....while on the other hand, English and Spanish clubs are thriving on the Global audience.

Maybe Ganso could be amongst the lot to bring back the glory days of Italian football....who knows?