Santos have reportedly rejected the opening offer from Roma for striker Marcos Leonardo, who is also wanted by Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, but negotiations continue.
According to O Globo, the Brazilian side turned down the opening proposal that is worth circa €8m.
That is understandable considering they had previously spurned a much bigger bid from Lazio that was set at closer to €12m.
The asking price for the 20-year-old is €15m and they have no intention of budging for almost half that sum, especially as the two Premier League clubs would pay more.
O Globo also maintain that Roma are offering to make the first payment only in December, with the final sum not paid off completely until December 2024.
Marcos Leonardo was the top scorer for Santos last season with 21 goals and he found the net 14 times in 30 appearances this term.
Sky Sport Italia also confirm that Santos have turned down the bid from Roma, but insist that negotiations are ready to continue and a deal could be done at €10m plus bonuses.