Fergie moves for Brazil starlet

Manchester United have finally tabled a formal €33m bid for Sao Paulo revelation Lucas Moura, the Irish Examiner understands.

The 19-year-old winger is currently one of the most admired young stars in Brazil and is also being trailed by Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

Moura’s signing would drastically alter the perception of what had been an underwhelming summer for United, as Alex Ferguson has apparently been seeking to “speed up” his side's attack.

It might not, however, solve some of the other key issues in his squad.

Central midfield is a continuing area of concern, and the manager retains an interest in both Luka Modric and, to a lesser extent, Joao Moutinho in order to solve it. Given the well-publicised recent issues regarding the clubs’ finances, though, it remains to be seen how United will arrange their resources in order to meet all these requirements — particularly given how much Ferguson covets Modric.

For example, every deal United have been involved in this summer has been characterised by a notable amount of book-balancing minimalism.

Although Ferguson also sees Leighton Baines as the ideal long-term replacement for Patrice Evra, Everton’s reported starting price has so far been too different to United’s.

Similarly, as the club have sought to reduce the wage bill in order to fund transfers, Danny Welbeck is currently stalling on a new contract offer that is £20,000 below his weekly demand.

Meanwhile Roma striker Fabio Borini became manager Brendan Rodgers’ first signing as Liverpool manager after finalising a long-term deal at Anfield last night.

The 21-year-old Italy international passed a medical and agreed personal terms at the club’s Melwood training ground.

Borini, who was previously at Chelsea and Swansea, moves to Anfield for a fee understood to be in the region of £7.9million.

“I felt really good because I wanted to come back to England one day. I knew sooner or later I’d be back,” the Italian international declared last night. Being back with Liverpool is even better because I can show what I can do.”