Nilmar on brink of Brazil move

Lyon forward Nilmar is on the brink of joining cash-rich Brazilian outfit Corinthians.

The OL youngster moved to his homeland on loan last year and was a roaring success as Corinthians claimed the league title.

With the likes of Fred, John Carew and Sylvain Wiltord all starring for Gerard Houllier's French champions in his absence, Nilmar's prospects of first team football in Le Championnat appeared dim.

Now the forward is set to make the arrangement permanent, with the Corinthians deal to be completed in the coming days, according to agent Marcelo Dijan.

"The contract has already been sent to Corinthians to be signed but that's not the only thing that has been done because Kia Joorabchain is in London," said Dijan.

"Everything has been agreed and the only thing to wait for is the money to be cleared from Corinthians to Lyon.

"I suppose that will happen next week so everything is ok."

Meanwhile, Corinthians' crown jewels appear to be under further threat from European superpowers as Serie A side Milan have been linked with Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez.

The Argentine pair are two of South America's hottest talents, with Tevez in particular enjoying a superb reputation in Europe.

Premiership champions Chelsea are known to be admirers of the Brazilian Player of the Year, but The Rossoneri need to replace Stamford Bridge-bound Andrei Shevchenko - and reports indicate they believe that Tevez fits the bill.

Mascherano does not enjoy the profile of Tevez, but he is an outstanding performer for both club and country and has reportedly also caught the eye of Milan.

However, MSI president Joorabchain has always maintained the club are desperate to keep hold of their stars, and has even personally reassured Corinthians supremo Alberto Dualib they will be at the club next season.