Chelsea have opted to delay making an official offer for Palmeiras forward Endrick, according to reports in the Brazilian media.

The 16-year-old is being pursued by a host of top European teams, despite not having made a single senior appearance for his club.

Endrick signed his first professional contract last month which reportedly included a €40m (£34m) release clause, and that has prompted clubs like Chelsea to seriously consider making an offer despite the player pretty much being an unknown quantity.

However, Thomas Tuchel’s side have now decided to take a step back from tabling a formal bid. The feeling is that the Blues’ scouts need to see him in first-team action first before committing to signing the teenager.

Even if Endrick does agree a switch to Stamford Bridge, though, he won’t be arriving in England anytime soon. Brazilian teams are only sanctioned to sell players who are 18 years of age or older.