RIO DE JANEIRO, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira has urged the Brazilian club not to sell highly rated forward Estevao amid reports linking him with Chelsea.

The 17-year-old continued his impressive recent form on Thursday by scoring a late winner as Palmeiras clinched a 2-1 home win over Botafogo SP in the first leg of their Copa do Brasil third-round clash.

"I'm going to ask the president [Leila Pereira] not to sell him," Ferreira told reporters. "Let him stay with us until 2027. I really think this player is unlike anything I've ever seen. He defends, attacks and makes his presence felt in all aspects."

The comments came as Brazilian media reported that Chelsea had offered 58 million US dollars to sign the teenager.

Estevao has also attracted the interest of Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, though FIFA rules prevent him from completing a move until he turns 18 next April.

The right winger has scored two goals and provided one assist for Palmeiras since being promoted from the club's youth academy in January. He has also scored three goals in five games for Brazil's under-17 team.

Ferreira praised the attacker's attitude, pointing out his dedication to training and desire to keep improving.

"He is an example for all our players," Ferreira said. "He gives his all, makes mistakes but goes again and gets it right. He never shies away from a challenge." Enditem

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