Talks stall between Man U, Moura

LONDON -- Unless Manchester United matches Sao Paolo's current value for Brazilian star Lucas Moura, the club will unlikely reach a deal with the teenager, Moura's agent, Wagner Ribeiro told a Brazilian website Tuesday.

On Monday, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed the club's interest, but denied reports that a deal had been struck.

Lucas, 19, was rumored to be close to a switch from Sao Paulo to the Red Devils, but the two clubs have failed to agree on a fee after Manchester United's initial bid was rejected.

On Monday, the Brazilian website, UOL.com reported that Sao Paulo is seeking more money for the teenager, and his agent is claiming that the Premier League team has reached its limit for Lucas and a deal will not take place.

"They have reached their limit," Ribeiro told UOL. "Lucas Moura won't leave. He is happy at Sao Paulo. We have to forget this subject. There is no possibility he leaves now.

"Manchester United made an offer, which was rejected and they won't make another one as they have reached their limit."

For Sao Paulo, the decision not to sell would represent a major financial gamble. Moura's economic rights are currently 80 percent owned by the club, with the player retaining the remaining 20 percent, but from Aug. 1, 2012, that ownership share will fall by 10 percent under the terms of his contract, according to sources.

Manchester United is set to face former Chelsea starts Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka as the Red Devils take on Shanghai Shenhua Wednesday in a friendly.