Brazilians join Formica race

Mauro Formica is somewhat in demand after it emerged a short while ago that Brazilian side Flamengo are interested in recruiting the Argentine midfielder/winger/striker.

It has been acknowledged that Greek side Olympiakos want the dubious John Bishop lookalike but are only willing to pay a small loan fee before enforcing a purchase option in the summer.

Flamengo may trump the sloppy Greeks however with a straight cash deal.

Rovers want £3.5 million as a bare minimum and despite being loath to losing the promising forward needs must at Ewood Park at the moment with the club needing to sell to balance the books.

Either way, the race is on.

The Lancashire Telegraph helped us out with lightning fast reporting - 'The Greek giants (Olympiakos) are understood to be ready to pay Rovers £2.5million for him in the summer, first taking him on loan until the end of the season.

Brazilian outfit Flamengo also yesterday joined the race for the in-demand Formica and are ready to attempt to sign him permanently now.

It is believed that Olympiakos want to pay Rovers £400,000 now as a loan fee for Formica.

It is also understood that Rovers wanted it in writing that Olympiakos would make it a permanent switch in the summer should the club suffer Premier League relegation.

Sources close to Olympiakos have confirmed negotiations have started between the clubs but Formica would only be allowed to speak to them once a deal in principle was agreed.'

Watch this space.

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