Elche failed with a January move for Gremio midfielder Lucas Silva, it has been revealed.

GHZ says Elche proposed a loan deal to the end of the season with a permanent option should they stay up this season.

Gremio were willing to do business, but the 27 year-old turned down the offer.

Lucas moved to the LaLiga midway through the '14/15 season, when Real Madrid paid Cruzeiro €15m for his transfer.

But the move did not work: After several seasons of loans, in 2019 he terminated his contract and returned home to Brazil.

Elche, if they stay up, will try again for Lucas this summer.