According to reports, Premiership giants Manchester United have watched Gremio starlet Douglas Costa in action.

It is said that United scout Jaap Stam saw the teenage attacking midfielder playing against Santos as the race to land the ‘the new jewel of Brazilian football’ gathers momentum with La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona also reportedly interested.

18-year-old Costa recently signed a new deal at the Olimpico Monumental, with the Imortal Tricolor increasing their prodigy’s buyout clause by £16million to £21million as Europe’s powerhouses circle one of the brightest talents in Brazil.

Costa ha been in superb form for Gremio in the Campenato this season, with the Under-19 international being invited to train with the senior Brazil squad, but despite all the attention, Costa remains modest and just wants to play football.