"?Manchester United have ruled themselves out of the running for the signature of 19-year-old Palmeiras forward Gabriel Jesus, according to a report in "?UOL Esporte.
The Brazilian outlet claim that the Manchester club had been scouting the young Brazilian for a number of months, with recommendations made to the club's board to sign the teenager.
The forward who is set to represent Brazil at the Olympics this summer, has been labelled a better prospect than Neymar.
However, the report states that club officials deemed the Palmeiras player too expensive, despite the Old Trafford club benefitting from a preferential clause.
United could have signed Jesus for a reduced price of £18.9m instead of £31.5m, but the Red Devils' board still deemed it too expensive.
Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are four other clubs who are able to benefit from the clause.
Jesus joined Palmeiras on a three-year contract in 2013 and has since scored 20 goals in 60 appearances for the club, making his senior debut in March 2015.
He has represented Brazil at Under-20, and Under-23 level scoring 8 goals in the process and was rewarded with the Best Newcomer award following the conclusion of his debut season.
UOL Esporte also reports that Liverpool had been monitoring the progress of the teenage sensation but decided against formally opening proceedings. However, their failure to qualify for European League football along with the extra £12.6m would count against the side from Merseyside in their pursuit of the Brazilian.
The report also notes that official approaches have been made by Bayern Munich, who benefit from the preferential clause. Italian giants Juventus have also enquired about the young starlet.
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