Manchester United have agreed a fee for Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino, according to the Metro. However, could there be other Brazilians that would be a better fit at Old Trafford?
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These five are even similar players to the 23-year-old, mostly featuring in attacking midfield. Should the Red Devils have gone after one of this group instead?
5) Felipe Anderson, Lazio
Despite being linked to Old Trafford throughout the last few months, the 22-year-old has now admitted that a move is unlikely in a report from the Manchester Evening News. He managed 11 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances last season, which is less than Firmino’s 12 and 10 but he is also a year younger.
4) Everton Ribeiro, Al Ahli
The 26-year-old admitted to UAE paper The National that he rejected United when moving to Al Ahli last January, and maybe a return to the winger would be worth it. The forward who can play anywhere behind the main striker is still impressing enough in the Middle East to get in to the Copa America squad.
3) Douglas Costa, Shakhtar Donetsk
Back in March the Daily Mirror reported that the Red Devils had made enquiries about the attacking midfielder. He was only behind Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League goalscoring stakes last time round, and even then just by one goal. This was despite his side not making it past the last 16 of the tournament.
2) Lucas Moura, PSG
Back in April the Metro believed that the winger could be on his way to Old Trafford. During the last season he managed nine goals and six assists in 46 games, but a move to new surroundings where the 22-year-old is a more important part of the team may help. Generally either Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi are first choices ahead of him in Paris.
1) Anderson Talisca, Benfica
Last November the Daily Mirror linked the Red Devils to the 21-year-old. He grabbed 11 goals in 41 matches in the last campaign, although 14 of those were substitute appearances. With undoubted potential it is likely the forward will make an impact in coming seasons.