Robinho infamously didn't know about his move to Manchester City until the last minute. He's known about their latest transfer target a lot longer.

The mercurial Brazilian joined City in 2008 under Mark Hughes despite Chelsea seemingly being all set to secure his services and Manchester United linked. It prompted the player himself to quip 'I knew I was going to play in England but I didn't know which team' while Hughes said his new star forward didn't recognise him upon signing.

Robinho enjoyed a fine first season at the Etihad before falling out of contention. The latest Brazilian perhaps destined for City is Vitor Reis, the Palmeiras wonderkid who Pep Guardiola has identified as a star of the future.

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Reis' first steps in football came at the R10 Academy in his homeland, a programme set up by Robinho. His rise since has been nothing short of meteoric. Snapped up by Palmeiras at 10, he has risen through the ranks and signed a pro deal in 2022.

That year he had helped the club's under-17 side to a trophy treble as captain while he also skippered the national side at the same age group. A first team debut arrived in 2024 and he made an instant impression on coach Abel Ferreira who subsequently handed him a start against Corinthians in a crucial contest. Reis was man of the match and scored the second.

"We gave Vitor a chance, a pleasant surprise," Ferreira said of the teenager. "Everyone should see how much desire this kid has. Congratulations, because despite his age he is a man of character."

He has continued to impress for Palmeiras and is a Brazil international of the future. A host of Premier League clubs have been linked with his signature while Real Madrid are also admirers.

It's easy to see why with the youngster having a maturity beyond his years with pace, agility and a natural reading of the game. He's vocal despite being only 18 and he was rewarded with a contract extension until December 2028.

"I left home very early to come to Palmeiras," he said of his journey. "I think that helped with this maturity and rapid growth. With each step on the field, I also had a certain leadership, but everything was very natural. I'm a very calm and family-oriented guy, I like to be with them when I'm off and with my friends."

That is unlikely to keep Europe's best from prising him away and City are leading the chase. He'd be one for the future at the Etihad, but what a future he has.