Lucas Moura close to signing for Real Madrid thanks to old Neymar debt

Goal :    Real Madrid will look to take advantage of a loan made to Brazilian agent Wagner Ribeiro to tie up the summer signing of midfielder Lucas Moura, Goal.com can reveal.

Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was in Hamburg at the weekend to watch the Sao Paulo star in action for his country in a friendly against Denmark, while also casting his eye on talented full-back Danilo.

But with a midfield partner for Xabi Alonso remaining a priority, the Portuguese coach is stepping up his efforts to sign Moura, and the player’s parents have already met and dined with club president Florentino Perez.

Sao Paulo are keen to hang on to the 19-year-old for two more years, but Madrid hope to push through a deal this summer and the player’s family have already started negotiations with the Santiago Bernabeu side.