Brazilian youngster on Juventus radar

Rio de Janeiro - Italian Serie A giants Juventus are reportedly interested in signing young Brazilian footballer Bruno Mendes.

The 18-year-old striker shot to prominence with three goals in his first three appearances for Botafogo, including a match-winning double against local rivals Vasco da Gama Thursday, reports Xinhua.

Talent scout Stefano Paolini recommended Mendes to Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici after being told to identify Brazil’s most promising youngsters.

“He has good technical ability, explosiveness, positional sense and a striker’s goal-scoring instinct,” Paolini said.

Former AC Milan star and current Botafogo teammate Clarence Seedorf is among those to have been impressed by Mendes, saying he has “the ability and attitude to succeed”.