Chelsea have joined the interest for Athletico Paranaense striker Vitor Roque.

Roque is said to have impressed Blues' recruitment team during the U20 South American Championship with Brazil.

The 17-year-old has scored six goals in the tournament and has attracted strong interest from around Europe.

AS says 'several' big teams are chasing the striker. Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain were said to be linked last month but his £52.5million release clause in his contract is said to have put them off.

Roque signed for Paranaense from Cruzeiro in 2021 for £3.8million (R$24million) - a club-record fee - and the Brazilian outfit could be on course to gain a huge profit should one of Europe's top teams swoop in.

Whilst it's claimed that the player would prefer a move to Barcelona, the Catalan side's financial difficulties may hold them back in paying over £50million for a teenager.