Why does it always seem like every young player in Brazil is at one point in their career labelled a ‘wonderkid’. Well regardless, Chelsea are linked with yet another.

This time, it’s Brazil’s very own Thiago Maia Alencar. The 19-year-old is almost unknown in Europe, but in South America he is regarded as a promising player.

For those familiar with Football Manager, he can be picked up from Santos for around £10-20m, and develops into a world class holding midfielder by his mid 20’s. Although Football Manager counts for very little in the real world, it does go to show the potential the player has according to those scouting him. Santos alone value the player in high regard and it most certainly won’t be cheap to prise away their young asset.

Thiago Maia has been at the heart of the Santos midfield for the last 2 seasons, and has a place in this summer’s Brazil Olympic games squad. His contract with Santos still has 3 years to run, but the club are expected to listen to offers in the region of £15m for the youngster.

According to Yahoo Sport’s Jorge Nicola, who is very well connected in Brazil, Chelsea are set to meet with Maia and begin talks with the player to know if he’s interested in playing for the Blues.

Maia is certainly one to watch this summer and has a very promising career ahead of him.

Whether or not the Blues will make an official attempt to sign the player remains to be seen.