São Paulo remain hopeful that 23-year-old Rafael Tolói will return to them this summer once his loan agreement with Roma terminates.
The Serie A side signed the Brazilian in January as they wanted more options in defence.
And although Tolói initially struggled and failed to make a first team appearance until March, the 23-year-old appears to have settled as he has started the past three games and put in impressive displays.
Tolói’s recent performances have worried São Paulo vice-president Ataide Gil Guerrero who now fears they may lose the young defender.
Forza Italian Football quoted the Tricolor vice-president, he said: "We await the return of [Rafael] Tolói, we do not have players in the squad capable of replacing him.
"The problem is that in the last matches with Roma, he played well and they now might be willing to buy him. We must wait."
Roma have the option to sign Tolói permanently, as a clause was inserted into his loan contract before his arrival, but São Paulo’s public admission shows how highly they rate the defender.
However, should Tolói continue to impress in Roma’s final two games of the season the youngster may well have played his last game for São Paulo.
