Leeds United have joined the likes of Ajax and Benfica in the race to sign Fluminense starlet Matheus Martins in the summer transfer window.

What's the story?

According to Brazilian publication Globo Esporte (via Sport Witness), Jesse Marsch's team are monitoring the 18-year-old's situation with Fluminense, although no official contact has been made by any side on a potential move.

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The report added that a deal could well be a pricey one, with Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk having had a significant bid for him rejected just last year.

Shades of Raphinha

In addition to following Raphinha on Instagram, Martins appears to be following in his fellow Brazilian's footsteps in terms of style of play too.

Predominantly a left winger, the 18-year-old has earned international honours with Brazil at underage level, while he has begun to break onto the scene in the first-team at club level.

This season has seen him make three appearances in the past couple of months for Fluminense, while he was in outstanding form in Brazil's Copinha tournament featuring some of the best academy sides, scoring two goals and providing one assist in six games.

As per Sofascore, he has completed 43% of his dribbles in the Brazilian top flight, while also averaging a reasonable 80% pass accuracy. However, what makes him an even more Leeds-like prospect is some of his defensive numbers, winning 0.6 tackles per match (stats which are near-identical to the likes of fellow winger Dan James, and Rodrigo too).

With a reported release clause of around £42m, the 18-year-old is certainly well regarded by those at Fluminense, and while a transfer fee may not reach that mark, it's indicative of the kind of big-money needed by suitors to land him.

If Leeds could beat the likes of Ajax and Benfica to his signature - both of whom have a great history of having a real eye for young talent - then it would be a major coup for Marsch.

AND in other news - Signed for £5m, now worth 700% more: Orta struck dream Leeds deal with "quality" 22y/o