Manchester United and Liverpool have been beaten by Inter Milan in the race to sign Sao Paulo youngster Lucas, according to reports in Italy.
The 19-year-old is rated as one of the finest prospects in Brazil, with Sao Paulo refusing to entertain bids of less than £20m.
According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter's sporting director Marco Branca has flown to Brazil to complete the move, leaving the Premier League duo in the dark.
Lucas has scored 17 goals in 68 appearances for the Brazilian club.
