Keirrison Ready For Europe

"My dream is to play and to triumph in Europe," Keirrison said on the Setanta Sports website. "I am working to achieve this goal every day."

The 19-year-old, who has been touted as one of the most promising young strikers in South America, came to prominence last year when he helped Coritiba win the Serie B title and earn promotion to Brazil's top flight.

'K9', as he is colloquially known, has scored over 50 goals in 100 games since being elevated to the senior squad at the Estadio Couto Pereira, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed across the Atlantic.

Barcelona and Liverpool have both been strongly linked with Keirrison, with Rafael Benitez reported to be particularly keen on the Dourados-born forward.

The Coritiba president, Jair Cirino dos Santos, admitted that there have been several enquiries into the Keirrison's availability and declared that the youngster's days in the Brasileiro are nearing an end.

"There is certainly interest from Europe, but the issue is not yet resolved," Dos Santos said. "Keirrison will not play in Brazil next season and that is for certain."

Most of Keirrison's contract is owned by Mais Sports, a third-party firm similar to the one who brought Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez to West Ham United in 2006.

A spokesperson for the company said: "K9 will be in Europe for the next season, but we need to study the offers to decide what is best," he said.

"The kid is prepared for the jump to Spain, England or Italy. It will not be a problem because he will be Brazil's number nine in two or three years."


Weathered Chivas ready for anything
Palermo To Fight Real Madrid For Brazilian Striker
Wizards clinch berth, may lose Wolff