Sao Paulo have again expressed an intention to seal Inter Milan striker Adriano on-loan in January.

Adriano is using Sao Paulo's training facilities while he undergoes treatment in Brazil for depression and club supremo Joao Paulo de Jesus Lopes said: "Adriano is working with us, he can play again in Brazilian football. It goes without saying that we would like him to remain here, but we respect the agreement with Inter.

"The idea is that he would go back to Italy in January, but we can talk about the subject here at Christmas, and maybe even beyond.

"We hope that in the meantime Adriano is happy with Sao Paulo and wants to stay. If he expresses this intention, it would increase the chances that he can stay with us."