Santos coach Muricy Ramalho has played down the prospect of landing Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda.

Ramalho admits that he is an admirer of the 32-year-old, but doubts whether a deal will be finalised due to financial issues.

"Malouda was offered to us," Ramalho told reporters. "He is a very interesting player, but you get scared when they tell you their demands.

"They say they are in crisis in Europe, but they spend so much money on transfers there. He was offered to us, but when you think about his wages, it gets hard.

"He is a very good player, an old-school midfielder who can hold the ball and set the tone in attack."