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United in for 'new Kaka'
Wed, May 09 2007 15:37

Man Utd have contacted Flamengo over teenage midfield star Renato Augusto - dubbed 'the new Kaka' - according to reports in Brazil.
Flamengo chairman Kleber Leite has confirmed to Globo that United have made a 'proposal' for the 19-year-old - currently the hottest property in Rio.

Renato Augusto plays with an old head on young shoulders, linking the midfield with attack and showing classic Brazilian technique.

"He will become the new Kaka in Europe, for whoever signs him," said Renato's Flamengo coach, Nery Franco, who blooded him in the first-team as a 17-year-old.

But the Copacabana kid is in no rush to leave Rio for Europe and says he has a lot to learn before he can justify comparisons to AC Milan's star player.

"For now I want to stay here. I have still a lot of work to do to be compared with Kaka," he said.

Arsenal and Chelsea are also closely monitoring him and are set to enter the bidding once Flamengo indicate that they are ready to sell.

But Renato is still uncapped by the national team, which would hinder a work permit application to play in the Premiership - leaving United to get creative with their proposal - which could involve Portuguese partner club Sporting.