Manchester United Football Club News

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United fail to lure Brazil starlet

25 Jun 2009 - 09:18:31

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Gremio have rejected a request from Manchester United to take rising star Douglas Costa on trial.

The 18-year-old attacking midfielder is one of the brightest talents in South American football and has been linked with moves to England, Italy and Spain in recent months.

United are reported to be at the head of the queue to sign the Brazil Under-20 international but the player's club side, Gremio, have turned down a request from the Premier League champions to take a closer look at Douglas on a two-week trial.

"We have said to them that this will not happen," said club president Duda Kroeff.

"Douglas is not at the stage where he would go through such a situation."

Douglas is reported to have a £20million buyout clause in his contract despite playing only a handful of first-team games for Gremio.