Cruzeiro open to offer for Argentine Walter Montillo – São Paulo, Santos and Grêmio on alert

Cruzeiro have admitted for the first time that they would be open to selling midfielder Walter Montillo this January, if a deal can be struck that suits all parties. Montillo, 28, was a target for Corinthians last year, but the Belo Horizonte side held firm on their €15 million valuation of the player and a […]
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sambafoot_admin
2012-11-27 14:00:00

Cruzeiro have admitted for the first time that they would be open to selling midfielder Walter Montillo this January, if a deal can be struck that suits all parties.

Montillo, 28, was a target for Corinthians last year, but the Belo Horizonte side held firm on their €15 million valuation of the player and a deal could not be struck.

On Monday, though, Cruzeiro director of football Valdir Barbosa suggested there had been a change of attitude at the club, confirming the club were aware of interest and open to offers for their star.

“We know of interest from São Paulo, Grêmio and Santos, but nothing concrete,” Barbosa told Lance! “We will deal with this next week.

“You have to treat football like a business. Football-wise, it is very important that he stays, but you cannot rule out an offer that suits all parties. If we are satisfied, there is nothing to stop the deal going through.”

Cruzeiro last week confirmed the capture of former Brasileirão Player of the Year Diego Souza on a free-transfer, a move which many saw as an indication of Montillo’s possible departure.

Although the club are still hopeful of receiving a fee of over €10 million for the player, it is likely a compromise will be struck involving a cash + players offer from one of the bidding parties.