Kerlon's Italian agent admits Torino made a serious move for the Corinthians youngster over the summer.

Mino Raiola told calciomercato.com: "This summer the only true attempt was made by Torino, which gave me the mandate to negotiate for him.

"But Cruzeiro has declared him not for sale and the Granata have signed Alvaro Recoba (of Inter Milan) instead."