Liverpool & United To Lock Horns Over Brazilian?

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Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool are locked in battle for the signature of Fluminense defender Anderson, according to The Sun.

Reds manager Rafa Benitez is understood to have been tracking 21-year-old Anderson for some time, with the Spaniard sending scouts to see the highly-rated Brazilian to check on his progress last year.

Benitez is keen on luring Anderson to Anfield, with the possibility that Danish International Daniel Agger (left) could leave the Merseyside club due to talks reportedly breaking down over a new deal and could force a transfer through to Serie A club AC Milan. The Rossoneri are still interested in bringing Agger to the San Siro, despite already having an offer for the former Brondby player rejected.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who already has the young Brazilian Da Silva twins at Old Trafford had declared the Red Devils spending in January over. Following the double capture of Serbian pair Zoran Tosic and Adem Ljajic from Partizan Belgrade, but is eager to add the Brazilian to his squad after the breakthrough of Rafael Da Silva into the Red Devils first team this season.

Anderson’s contract at the Tricolor Carioca is due to run out in the summer, with the defender available for as little as €3.5million. Anderson has played 31 times for Fluminense, with the defender making his Campeonato debut in 2006 after coming through the youth ranks at the club.

Chelsea Hijack Mourinho's Silva Bid?

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Chelsea are believed to have made a last minute intervention to stop Brazilian International Thiago Silva signing for former manager Jose Mourinho’s new club Inter Milan.

24-year-old Silva is out of contract at his current side Fluminense in the new-year and was understood to have been on the verge of signing a pre-contract deal with the Nerazzurri last week before Chelsea showed their interest in bringing the central defender to Stamford Bridge.

Silva has openly admitted he will leave the Brazilian side when his deal runs out, but it remains to be seen whether the defender will end up in the Premier League with Chelsea or at the San Siro with former Blues boss Mourinho.

Silva said: “There are some things happening.

“That is true and I do not deny this to anyone. We have to be open with the fans.

“There is no point saying that I'm going to stay for next year if I am thinking of leaving.

“I say very clearly that I'm thinking of leaving. Everyone knows that.

“When I walk in the streets, the fans says: "Go with God, it makes your life. You deserve it, you are a good man". Hearing that makes me more relaxed.”

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic has already told manager Luiz Felipe Scolari there will be little in the way of transfer funds available in January, which make the free agent status of Silva an attractive proposition for the Premiership side.