Rising Brazilian star Gabriel Jesus looks set to shun a possible move to one of European football's powerhouses this summer after reiterating his desire to stay at Palmeiras.
The likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan have been linked with the 19-year-old forward, who is the leading scorer in the Brazilian top flight this season with nine goals.
However, the teenager says he is not looking to leave home-town club Palmeiras any time soon.
Speaking after scoring in the 3-1 win over Sport Recife which left Palmeiras three points clear in the league with 13 rounds gone, Gabriel Jesus told Sportv: "I'm have it totally clear. My intention is to stay with Palmeiras.
"I have great confidence in my work and in coach Cuca and, more than that, in the team. We have a very good team right now.
"As I've always said in interviews, and it's the truth, that my desire has always been Palmeiras and I'm not thinking about Europe. Today my focus is completely on Palmeiras. We're fighting for the title and I'm very happy here."
Palmeiras coach Cuca does not believe now is the right time for Gabriel Jesus, who was part of the Brazil side that reached the FIFA Under-20 World Cup final last year, to leave for Europe either.
Cuca said: "It's normal that Gabriel is going to leave. (But) He won't leave today, tomorrow or the day after that. He's a lad who is getting better and will learn new things.
"He's a great player, a great person and he has a very good future. There's no need to speed things up. I've had players who have left and did not get into the Brazil national team because they were not playing for their clubs."
Source: PA
