The midfielder, once tracked by Europe's top clubs, is now set to leave Santos for a fellow Brazilian team, but it is Gremio who appear favourites.

"I met with them [DIS] this afternoon," said Gremio executive director Paulo Pelaipe to Globo Esporte. "The situation is going very well, we are on the same lines and we have arrived at a common denominator.

"[Club president] Odone is driving this process. Grêmio are interested and the athlete's demands are compatible and viable. We hope to reach a positive outcome."