Barcelona chiefs are discussing passing on a deal for Sao Paulo attacker Gustavo Maia.

Barca paid €1m for first refusal on Maia - an option which can be triggered with a €3m payment by July 15.

There were expectations Barca would push through the deal this month, but Mundo Deportivo says directors are now rethinking their position.

Barca have already failed to renegotiate the fee for the permanent option and there's a growing chance they may pass on the deal completely.

Watching on are the likes of Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, with the player's representatives publicly declaring the interest of both European giants earlier this year.