RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- Manchester United and Juventus target Bruno Mendes has had his contract with Brazil's Botafogo rescinded due to a legal battle with his former club Guarani.

Brazil's football confederation (CBF) released a statement on Monday declaring the 18-year-old's contract with Botafogo null due to Guarani's failure to meet legal obligations associated with his transfer.

The 18-year-old centre forward has been a revelation since joining Botafogo in September with six goals in as many matches in Brazil's Serie A championship.

According to sports daily Lancenet, Mendes has attracted the interest of Italy's AC Milan and Juventus as well as English Premier League clubs Manchester United and Chelsea.

Mendes had been signed by Botafogo on a year-long loan deal after his economic rights were bought by a group of British investors for 3.5 million US dollars.