Cruzeiro offer Lucas Silva new deal

Posted Thursday, December 18, 2014 by Marca.com

Real Madrid's signing of Lucas Silva is still a waiting game. According to information from Brazil, there was a meeting between representatives of the Whites and Cruzeiro, though nothing new came of it.

Real Madrid are still offering 12 million euros, whilst the Belo Horizonte team are sticking at 15m euros.

The Brazilian central midfielder is waiting for an agreement between the clubs, although in the absence of clarity from the 'Los Blancos', Cruzeiro have made their move and offered a contract renewal to the player. Since over the course of negotiations, Real Madrid have still not told Cruzeiro whether they want the player now or for next summer, and have also not raised their offer to 15 million euros, the Brazilian team has offered the player the chance to renew on double his old salary and increase his release clause.

Cruzeiro's strategy is clear. They intend to try to keep the player for six months so that he can play in the Copa Libertadores and increase his release clause with a hypothetical transfer next summer in mind. At present, Lucas Silva's freedom is set at around 15 million euros, although Real Madrid are confident of getting him for 12 million euros. However, if he renews his contract, come summer his price tag will not be any lower than 24 million euros.

Lucas Silva, represented in the meeting by his agent, Luis Rocha, did not respond to the offer of a new deal from Cruzeiro.