Parma midfielder Hernani is believed to be on the verge of joining Genoa in a deal worth €5.5m.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, he had also been of interest to Gremio, but preferred to remain in Italy after Parma’s relegation to Serie B.
The transfer will officially be a loan with option to buy, but that becomes an obligation after just one competitive appearance in the Genoa jersey.
This makes it a tactic to spread out payment over two seasons.
The 27-year-old Brazilian joined Parma from Zenit St Petersburg for €6.5m in 2019, having previously represented Athletico Paranaense and Saint-Etienne.
Hernani scored seven goals with three assists in 33 Serie A appearances for the Ducali last season.