Manchester United: Could Pep Guardiola Pip Jose Mourinho To Sign 'New Neymar'?

Palmeiras striker Gabriel Jesus
Palmeiras striker Gabriel Jesus in Teresopolis, Brazil, July 19. The teenager has been linked with moves to Manchester United and Manchester City. Vanderlei Almeida/AFP/Getty

Perhaps as soon as Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho were confirmed as managing in the same league, it was inevitable they would clash in the transfer market as well as on the pitch.

Mourinho and Guardiola are reportedly locked in combat over the signing of one of Brazil's most exciting young attacking talents, 19-year-old Gabriel Jesus.

Esporte, the Brazilian website, claims United has bid €40 million ($44 million) for the teenager, who plays for Palmeiras and will be appearing for his country at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August. Due to his growing influence as a Brazilian icon, as well as his skills, Jesus was called the "New Neymar" in a Soccerlens article from April 2016 that also mentioned interest from Arsenal.

Mourinho's problem is that City and Guardiola are also interested, the Spaniard so much so that he has reportedly held a telephone conversation with the player.

Don't underestimate the value of one-upmanship in this rivalry. Guardiola and Mourinho have both said they will be civil this season, but they are two of world football's most competitive figures. Expect their conflict to be waged quietly, in the transfer window. Whoever gets his hands on Jesus will have dealt the first blow.

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