Things are moving fast in this saga, and Manchester City have already seen the first figures they put forward for Allan Elias rejected by Palmeiras.
The Premier League side made an approach on Friday and indicated how much they were prepared to offer. Palmeiras turned those numbers down.
There was no formal bid, according to ESPN Brazil. However, this has clearly moved beyond the initial interest reported earlier this week.
City remain in talks and are now expected to return with improved figures.
Manchester City expected to increase numbers
ESPN journalists report that City remain very interested in Allan. They are preparing a new package with higher numbers and performance-related clauses. Another approach is expected in the coming hours.
Club insider outlet Nosso Palestra also report movement on Friday afternoon. Journalist Leonardo Barbieri says Manchester City made their first official contacts and indicated they could get close to Palmeiras’ demands.
That is significant because there’s now a much clearer idea of what those demands actually are. Both reports put €40m (£34.6m) at the centre of the situation.
ESPN say Palmeiras have no intention of selling Allan for less than €40m (£34.6m). Nosso Palestra explain that a total package above that figure could change their stance.
The structure would also be important. Palmeiras want a strong guaranteed amount, achievable bonuses and favourable payment terms.
Either way, all journalists involved are certain that Manchester City will return with new, bigger figures in the coming days.
Palmeiras still don’t want to sell
None of that changes the Brazilian club’s starting position. Palmeiras want Allan for the rest of their season and have been telling interested parties that he isn’t for sale.
They are competing for major trophies and see the 22-year-old as a key player for Abel Ferreira. His release clause is €100m (£86.5m), although the latest information suggests City won’t need to get anywhere near that figure to start a serious negotiation.
There is also pressure from the player’s side. We covered earlier that Allan’s camp see a move to Manchester City as a “unique opportunity”. That could become important if the next offer gets closer to Palmeiras’ expectations.
For now, the sequence is straightforward. City have put initial numbers forward, Palmeiras have rejected them, and the English club haven’t gone away.
The next set of figures should tell us considerably more about whether Palmeiras’ determination to keep Allan can survive City’s push.
