Fiorentina are set to activate the release clause of FC Astra left-back Junior Morais, Forza Italian Football understands.
The 28-year-old defender has attracted interest from a number of European clubs over the past week with the likes of Galatasaray and AEK Athens also believed to be vying for the Brazilian’s signature.
Under new manager Paulo Sousa, la Viola are keen to reinforce their defensive line and the 44-year-old coach has allegedly set his sights on signing the experienced Brazilian with Botafogo’s 22-year-old defender Gilberto also touted as a possible signing at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Morais is believed to be valued at less than €500,000 by the Romanian outfit and reports suggest that the player caught the eye of Sousa while playing in Portugal, when the Portuguese tactician was in charge of Hungarian side Videoton FC between 2011 and 2013.
Morais’ senior career began in his native Brazil, representing São Caetano in the Brazilian Serie A in 2008 before earning a move to Portuguese Segunda Liga club S.C. Freamunde, where he spent a season.
The 28-year-old subsequently moved to Astra in 2011 where he has since made 18 Europa League appearances, as well as winning the Romanian Cup in 2013-14 and the Romanian Supercup the following year.
