Kleberson deal still on

Corinthians have denied reports that their bid to sign Kleberson has failed.

The player's agent Marcos Antonio Silva revealed that negotiations with MSI, the sports investment group that control Corinthians, had broken down over the player's wage demands.

"Manchester didn't accept MSI's offer and there was not an agreement with the player for his salary," Silva stated.

However, although Corinthians have conceded that they failed to reach agreement with the World Cup winner, they insist the deal is far from dead and plan further talks.

Responding to claims the deal was off, Andres Sanchez, the club's vice-president, stated to Gazeta Esportiva: "This information is not true and we have closed everything with Manchester United.

"The problem is that Kleberson made initial demands that were beyond our reality, but we are going to hold more talks with him."

It still seems likely that the Brazilian will seal a switch back to his homeland, with United more than happy to cut their losses on the £6 million signing despite making a hefty loss.

Meanwhile, Sanchez also confirmed that Corinthians were close to clinching yet another signing in the shape of Werder Bremen midfielder Gustavo Nery.

The 27-year-old is close to completing a deal to return to his homeland, and Sanchez expects the transfer to go through next week.

"We have already agreed terms with the club (Werder) and Gustavo, and just need to define the method of payment," he added.

"By the end of next week everything should be resolved."

Roger of Benfica is also on MSI's list of targets for Corinthians and are expected to lodge a bid within the next week.

While talks over Kleberson, Nery and Roger continue - a deal for River Plate's Javier Mascherano looks to be edging closer to completion.

The Argentine starlet, who has been linked with European giants such as Real Madrid and Arsenal, appears keen to seal the move.

"The officials of Corinthians have already spoken with the board members of River and from what I have been told I will be playing in Brazil from July," said Mascherano.

Their offer is very serious and that makes me calm.

"I have even spoken with my friend Carlos Tevez who is already playing there and he told me about the serious project that the club has.

"He even told me that the supporters are great so all that has made me decide to accept the transfer and in addition to that I am happy because I will be able to play the Copa Libertadores with River before travelling to Brazil."