Marcelo Barros revealed that Sport Recife held talks with interested parties about a deal for Pedro Lima, amid reports linking the teenager to Chelsea.
The Blues have been linked with a move for the 17-year-old right-back as they look to continue their investment in young talent.
One of the main themes of the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital era at Stamford Bridge has been its willingness to invest in fast-growing players from around the world.
The South American market has also been explored: Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, Angelo and Kendry Paez signed under the existing regime.
An agreement has also been reached for an initial value of £29. 5m to sign Palmeiras youngster Estevao Willian as well. The 17-year-old has been dubbed ‘Little Messi’ for his lightness and skill on the ball and in all likelihood can carry £51 million, which would make him the most beloved South American teenager in history.
Liverpool and Manchester City have also been linked with Lima, who scored two goals and provided as many assists in 24 senior appearances for the Brazilian club.
Barros is director of Sport Recife and showed that talks have begun with several clubs, the offer to point out that Lima is much more advanced.
“Many are interested,” he told Globo Esporte’s Embolada podcast.
“And Pedro and I have spoken to more than one Club. But with one of them, the negotiations are a little more complex.
“We are making a very careful evaluation. I don’t see any club in Brazil that would make the investment we need for Pedro, and it’s not of interest to the athlete either. So we’re not too worried. And there are other offers.
While Barros did not name who was winning the race for the wonderkid, he added: “One club wanted to make a slightly higher initial investment straight away, with a future bonus, because it’s an important point: Pedro can continue to earn for us in the long term.
“You can look for negotiations with the target club about performance, or whether it’s a full investment now or an investment with a diluted bonus. There is one club in particular with which we have made a lot of progress in terms of formalising a proposal, Sport has rejected it, I can say it, a proposal has already been made and there are discussions to renegotiate the agreement.
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