The 27-year-old would not require a work permit to play in Europe once he bags an Italian passport later this week. However, Celtic would face competition from Arsenal and Fiorentina who have also been linked with the Brazilian international.

He said: "I've a deal signed with Cruzeiro until the end of this year but after that I would like to move to Europe.

"I'm prepared to make the big jump to European football as that's a great challenge for any player."