Lima denies Barca move

Lucas Lima has denied he has agreed a deal with Barcelona when his Santos contract expires at the turn of the year, while other offers are on the table.

The 26-year-old will become a free agent on 1 January 2018 but he has revealed he also has received offers from China and from English Premier League club Crystal Palace, while he may yet stay at the Brazilian club.

"Even if it was true, I couldn't say so," Lima told Globoesporte.

"What I spoke to Neymar about [Barcelona] was just out of curiosity as I've had no offer them.

“I want to make it clear that when I make my decision, Santos will be the first to know. Santos is the priority.

"There was an offer from Crystal Palace, a fortune on the table from China.. but I know that playing well for Santos will allow me to continue with the national team, something which is very important for me.

"Santos' (new contract) proposal is very good, the president has made a great effort for me to stay.

"I'm going to talk to my family and give an answer to the club that gave me my chance.

"This will be my biggest contract. The financial side is important, but it is not the most important thing. I want to continue in the Brazilian national team and to win titles. I'll think about the money, of course, but it's not my first thought."

Lima has won 14 caps for his home country and is reported to previously have been tracked by Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Tags Lucas Lima Santos
La Liga - Club News