Chelsea have reportedly held several meetings with the representatives of Palmeiras starlet Endrick over a proposed move to Stamford Bridge.
The 16-year-old forward is one of the most sought-after teenagers in world football after breaking into the Palmeiras first team this year.
Endrick scored a remarkable 165 goals in 169 appearances at youth level for Palmeiras, before making his senior debut as a substitute in October.
The highly-rated forward became the youngest-ever player to score for Palmeiras in the 3-1 Brasileiro win away at Athletico Paranaense just under two weeks ago.
Endrick's performances in his native Brazil have caught the eye of a host of top European clubs, and the Evening Standard claims that Chelsea, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are among the frontrunners in the race for his signature.
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The report adds that Los Blancos believe that they are at the front of the queue to sign Endrick, but both Chelsea and PSG are preparing to battle with the Spanish giants for the talented teenager.
Indeed, Chelsea are said to have held several recent meetings with Endrick's representatives and the West Londoners hope that their financial package on offer can tempt the forward to move to Stamford Bridge.
Endrick's father Douglas is involved in choosing where his son will end up, and the forward's family will prioritise offers that will encourage the youngster to grow and develop.
Any potential deal for Endrick could be agreed at the beginning of 2023 before moving to Europe in 2024 when he turns 18.
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Earlier this year, Endrick spoke about his aspirations to join an elite European club, telling Marca: "I try not to think about the future, but about the present. I dream, of course, of playing in Europe, with the Brazilian national team and winning trophies.
"I have a lot of love for Real Madrid because of Cristiano [Ronaldo], although I have also looked up some of their history and they are a very good team.
"It is very gratifying for me to know that they are watching me and seeing my games. I am very grateful to God for that. I have to do more, it's not good enough yet, I have to give more. I still have a way to go.
"They (Barcelona) are a very good team too, spectacular, with incredible players, some of whom have already left, such as [Lionel] Messi, Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta. It's good that one of the best clubs in the world follows me as a player and a person. I thank God very much."
Endrick scored on his first senior start for Palmeiras last week, netting the fourth goal in a 4-0 home win over Fortaleza, and the teenager will be hoping to start again when his side welcome America Mineiro to Sao Paulo on Thursday.
Oliver Thomas
