São Paulo vice-president João Paulo de Jesus Lopes has denied there is any ongoing negotiation with Manchester United for Lucas Moura, but confirmed they are open to an offer.
Lucas, 19, has been the subject of a soap opera this summer over a move to Europe and reports on Saturday night suggested a move to the Red Devils was imminent, with a medical to take place on Sunday.
The CBF, Brazil’s football federation, have already issued a statement to deny that a medical has taken place, adding that they will not release the player until after the tournament.
Now, one of São Paulo’s officials has also come out to deny any formal negotiations, but added that a deal could still come to fruition.
“He will definitely return to São Paulo. There is no negotiation at the moment,” the club official told Lancenet!. “As I said, our expectation is that it is very difficult for him to leave.
“We have no interest in selling, but São Paulo are not stupid – we know some situations are irresistible. All I can say is that nothing irresistible has arrived at the Morumbi.”
Conversely, in Britain, press reports still suggest that the deal is close to completion, meaning the saga looks set to drag on for a while yet.
