China millions lure poor South America players

MONTEVIDEO: They may lack Barcelona or Chelsea’s glamor, but Chinese football clubs are luring skillful South Americans with irresistible multimillion-dollar checks in their quest to make China a world soccer power.

While Argentina’s Lionel Messi or Brazil’s Neymar bathe in glory as well as cash at Barcelona, a lower-profile Latin legion is hearing the call of the east, where big-money transfers offer precious economic security for players from poor families.