Lucas Lima has played down suggestions that he is close to finalising a move to Barcelona, hinting that he could instead be persuaded to remain at current club Santos.
Reports emerged in South America last week claiming that the 26-year-old, who is into the final five months of his current deal, had signed a pre-contract agreement with the Catalan giants.
Brazil international teammate Neymar only added fuel to the fire when admitting that he is hopeful of seeing his close friend make the switch between clubs later this year, but Lima is still weighing up his options after being offered fresh terms by Santos.
"Santos' proposal is very good, the president (Modesto Roma Junior) has made a great effort for me to stay," he told Globo Esporte. "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 weighs in, but it is not the most important thing.
"I want to continue in the Brazilian national team, to win titles, to have the affection of the fans. I'll think about the money, of course, but it's not my first thought. I want to solve this soon, but now my focus is on the Copa do Brasil, then we travel to Goiania [to play Atletico Goianiense on Sunday]. I'll leave it to my father.
"What I spoke to Neymar [about Barcelona] is more from curiosity, but I've had no proposal. I want to make clear that when I make my choice, Santos will be the first to know. Santos is the priority."
Lima, capped 14 times at international level by Brazil, also revealed that he has previously turned down an offer from Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Daniel Lewis
