Santos vice-president Odilio Rodrigues has admitted defeat in the club's bid to keep hold of Ganso.

Recent reports had claimed that the 22-year-old had become unhappy with life at Santos, citing his wish for a new challenge as a contributing factor to his state of mind.

Discussing those rumours with Lancenet, Rodrigues conceded that the Brazilian international is unlikely to be a Santos players for much longer.

"Ganso doesn't want to play for Santos anymore. We learned that from the club's president Luis Alvaro last Thursday," he said.

"Ganso has lost his interest in Santos so we won't try to keep him anymore.

"However, we won't give up his buyout fee. Since Delcir Sonda and Ganso are interested [in a move] negotiations are open but the buyout fee has to be paid."

Premier League trio Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are said to be interested in signing the attacker.