Botafogo president Mauricio Assumpcao has admitted that highly-rated defender Dória could leave the club.
Tottenham, Barcelona, Juventus and Milan have all been linked with the 18-year-old in recent weeks, after some impressive performances in the Brasileirão.
And Assumpcao suggested on Sunday that Dória’s €13 million release clause could be activated before the close of the transfer window on August 31.
“Right now I can’t guarantee that Doria will stay,” he told Radio CBN. “Negotiations will depend on whether clubs are willing to pay his buyout fee.
“Whoever wants him will need to pay more than just that value. If that happens, we don’t have any control because it will be the player’s decision. He, his agent and his family are considering their options.”
Assumpcao also admitted that the club will try to keep the teenager in Rio de Janeiro until the end of the season in December.
“We are negotiating for him to stay until the end of the year,” he added. “I don’t know if it will be possible. Right now there is nothing set in stone but the window hasn’t closed yet.”
Dória is one of the top prospects in his homeland and recently led the Brazil Under-20 side to glory at the prestigious Toulon Tournament, where he was voted best defender.
He has also been recognised in the senior Seleção squad, winning his first cap against Bolivia in April, and has previously been linked with Udinese and Benfica, as well as Cruzeiro in Brazil.
