Santos’ president has named Chelsea among clubs who are interested in centre-back Lucas Verissimo, along with Atalanta and Inter Milan.
The 24-year-old was an important part of Santos side who finished second in Brasileiro Serie A last season, making 33 appearances from their total 39 league games.
Verissimo was linked to a €5million (£4.5m) move to Sampdoria, but the Santos president Jose Carlos Peres has slammed the rumour claiming there is “no chance” it will happen.
Speaking to Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, Peres explained that they are looking for a fee of €10m (£8.9m) for the defender.
Secondly, Sampdoria still “owe them €1.25m from Kaique Rocha’s transfer last summer.
Peres also claimed there have been “enquiries from several clubs in Europe”, mentioning Chelsea, Atalanta and Inter Milan.
Although he also added that so far, he is yet to receive an official offer.
Having been in financial troubles even before the global pandemic, the president has admitted that they need money from players sales to help ease the problem.