Palmeiras' coach says Barça have tracked Gabriel Jesus for months

Palmeiras manager Cuca has revealed that Barcelona have been following Gabriel Jesus for many months. The teenager's manager lauded his qualities and said he's not noticed a difference in his form despite the increasing transfer speculation.  

"I know [Barça] were watching the game against America, but it's not just today. They've been at various games for a while and I can assure you that the kid has not been affected by these things, because his performances have remained really good," he said after being asked about Raul Sanllehi's presence at the game. 

Cuca advised Gabriel Jesus that he shouldn't leave Palmeiras yet because he's still in a phase of growth: "It seems that if he doesn't go to Barcelona, he could go to any other club. I think here, at Palmeiras, though, he's going to get chances to play many more minutes and become an important player for the national team." 

In fact, Cuca suggested Barça wouldn't be a good option for Gabriel Jesus due to the competition for places: "If I was his father, I wouldn't let him leave now because, as of today, it's unlikely he'll play at Barça. In whose place is the boy going to play? For now he has to be here. He's starting games and doing well."