10 things you need to know about Vagner Love - the Brazil star courted by Everton, Spurs, Manchester City and Chelsea


Vagner Love looked a class act during CSKA Moscow's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa - no doubt impressing the watching David Moyes.

Everton boss Moyes is thought to be keen to take the Brazil striker to Goodison Park, but has been put off by the wealthy Russian club's high valuation.

Love says Tottenham bid for him in January, which was immediately knocked back, while Manchester City and Chelsea have also been linked with moves for the 24-year-old.

Vagner Love

Villa villain: Vagner Love celebrates scoring against Aston Villa in the UEFA Cup last 32 match

City of God

Favourite film: A scene from the brilliant City of God, released in 2002

He is keen to test himself in England, Spain or Italy - so Sportsmail gives you the lowdown on a player who could soon be performing a stadium near you...

1) Vagner Silva de Souza was born in Rio de Janeiro on June 11, 1984. His favourite film is City of God was set in the city.

2) He has been playing football since he was eight and names Romario and Ronaldo as his idols.

Romario celebrates scoring with compatriot Rivaldo

Hero: Legendary Brazil striker Romario celebrates scoring with compatriot Rivaldo in 2000

Pamela Butt

Former flame: 'actress' Pamela Butt

3) He is proud of his unusual nickname, which probably comes from his popularity with girls. His website says: 'Since his childhood, Vagner has a knack with girls. The boy was a very good dancer and trained the dance steps with his sister Vania to dance with the girls in the parties.'

4) His nickname was reinforced last year when a video of him and Brazilian porn actress Pamela Butt appeared online. 'It's appalling,' Butt told newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo at the time. 'I'm very well paid to have sex on camera, but I earned nothing for this. I am two people: Pamela the actress and Pamela the private lady, and today the private lady is defiled.'

5) He joined CSKA in 2004 after coming through the ranks at Palmeiras, who he helped them win Serie B in 2003 before finishing the top scorer in the Paulista Championship the following year.

6) Love has scored 89 goals in 164 games for CSKA, including an impressive 29 in 33 appearances last season.

7) He was named player of the year in Russia in December after helping CSKA to second place in the League as well as spearheading their 100 per cent UEFA Cup group stage run.

VIDEO: Compilation of Vagner Love goals...


Jo

Moscow flier: Love's compatriot Jo celebrates scoring during his CSKA days

8) He used to enjoy a prolific partnership with compatriot Jo - the Manchester City striker who is on loan at Everton - and admits he has been in touch with his former CSKA team-mate about  a move to England. 'I speak to Jo a lot and he says only good things,' said Love recently. He describes Jo as one of his best friends.

9) Easy to pick out in a crowd, he recently held an internet poll on his personal website to decide what colour his next set of hair beads should be.

10) He has scored five times in 21 appearances for Brazil and was part of their victorious Copa America sides in 2004 and 2007.