Brazil midfielder Lucas Lima warms up to China move

Rio de Janeiro, Oct 8: Santos and Brazil international midfielder Lucas Lima is considering a move to the next football season of the Chinese Super League, according to local media reports.

Lima's contract with Santos expires at the end of 2017 and the Brazilian club hopes to find a suitor for the 26-year-old soon to avoid him leaving on a free transfer, Sambafoot reported on Friday.

Hebei China Fortune are said to be leading the race to sign Lima at the end of the current Brazilian season in December, reports Xinhua.

Bayern Munich, Napoli, Crystal Palace have also been linked to the player.

China is becoming an increasingly popular destination for the world's top footballers. Brazil national team players, who are currently plying their trade in the Chinese Super League include Renato Augusto, Gil and Paulinho.

Reports said Lima has been encouraged by seeing his Selecao teammates flourish at Chinese clubs.