Chelsea are rumoured to be after Brazilian wonder-kid Alex Teixeira.

The youngster starred in the Under-20 World Cup last month, and it was after a string of performances at that tournament that he became liked with , who have admitted making an offer for the player in the past.

Spartak Moscow and a number of other European sides are believed to have taken a look at the attacking midfielder, who has been with Vasco since signing as a boy.

Huge things have been expected of Teixeira after he signed a five-year contract with a £35 million minimum fee release clause two years ago. After originally struggling to live up to the hype, Teixeira has began his rise to the top and made a place for himself in the Vasco starting line-up.

The Brazilian side are trying desperately to keep hold of the prodigious 19-year-old talent, but the draw of the Premier League and the financial power of Chelsea means that Teixeira might be making his way to Stamford Bridge in the not too distant future.

Manchester United have apparently have had an bid turned down for him back in 2008 and it is believed apart from Chelsea & United, Everton boss David Moyes has also shown interest in the player.

Player Profile

Full name Alex Teixeira Santos
Date of birth January 6, 1990 (age 19)
Place of birth Duque de Caxias, Brazil
Height 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Playing position Attacking midfielder
Current club Vasco da Gama
Number 7