Elias is said to have told Brazilian television programme Bate Bola that the 23-year-old will move to Old Trafford for a surprisingly low fee of around €18m, just £13m. To put that into perspective, Firmino has been linked with United in the past, with figures quoted in the region of £20m or more.
It is also believed that Elias said Firmino will undergo a United medical while he is away with the Brazil squad at the Copa America in Chile, based on information from the player's agent.
Elias had already made both claims via Twitter earlier this week.
Firmino spent most of the 2014/15 season operating in a 'number 10' role for Hoffenheim. In the Bundesliga alone he provided ten assists - only Kevin De Bruyne and Zlatko Junozovic managed more. He also scored nine goals of his own in league and cup competitions, while in 2013/14 he struck 22 times.
He only made his international debut in November, having never previously played for Brazil at any level, but has already become an important part of the Selecao squad.
Firmino would certainly offer Louis van Gaal another option in midfield with a level of creativity to complement the likes of Ander Herrera and Juan Mata. Given his favoured central position, he would arguably be in direct competition for a starting place with Marouane Fellaini, even though his skill set vastly differs from the Belgian's.
He has also been known to play from the left, although United are already well stocked in that area of the pitch, with Ashley Young and Memphis Depay.
In what is fast becoming another busy summer, van Gaal is also rumoured to be on the lookout for a deeper lying central midfielder as a long-term replacement for the ageing and ever more injury prone, Michael Carrick.
With German pair Ilkay Gundogan and Bastian Schweinsteiger seemingly off the table, Morgan Schneiderlin would appear to be the primary target in that respect. The French international is desperate to play Champions League football and Arsenal are not willing to meet his £25m price tag.
A new goalkeeper, a new right-back and a new striker all remain on the shopping list as well.
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