São Paulo are believed to be close to securing the loan signing of Chile striker Eduardo Vargas, with just a few details of the transfer yet to be agreed.
Vargas, 23, would cost around €15 million to free from his contract with the Série A side, but the clubs are reportedly in the process of negotiating a loan-deal with an option to buy. The negotiations will see São Paulo pay a fee, or possibly offer players, in exchange for a one-year deal.
With Grêmio seemingly out of the running for his signature, with hopes of a deal having cooled over the Christmas period, it now seems that São Paulo lead the chase for his signature—although two Mexican teams are also in talks with the player’s representatives.
It is reported that, with the player unhappy with persistent criticism in Italy, Brazil is seen as the best location to get his career back on track.
With former Universidad de Chile manager Jorge Sampaoli taking charge of the national team, Vargas hopes that a move can help him remain in his country’s plans ahead of a possible 2014 World Cup appearance.
With São Paulo flush with money after the sale of Lucas Moura to PSG, director of football Adalberto Baptista has already spoken of the club’s desire for a quality replacement for the forward in January—with Vargas seen as an ideal candidate.
The Morumbi-based side have already confirmed the signings of forwards Aloísio and Negueba for the new season, with defender Lúcio also having joined in the past week.
Cruzeiro forward Wallyson is expected to also join the club on a free transfer once his contract expires on December 31.
Source: Lancenet
