RIO DE JANEIRO, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Sao Paulo are in talks to sign Argentine striker Jonathan Calleri on a permanent deal from Uruguay's Maldonado, the Brazilian club said on Wednesday.
Calleri's loan is due to expire in December but the six-time Brazilian Serie A champions are already negotiating with Maldonado to secure the 28-year-old on a long-term contract.
"He is going to be our player," Sao Paulo president Julio Casares said. "He is a role model who identifies himself with Sao Paulo. And he's a striker who scores goals. He is a great fighter and is very good tactically."
Calleri has scored 13 goals in 22 games across all competitions for Sao Paulo this season, including five in four Serie A outings.
Sao Paulo are currently fifth in the 20-team top-flight standings, two points behind leaders Corinthians. ■