AS Roma defender Juan is edging closer to being released from his contract.

A move to Internacional is the most likely option for Juan.

"The negotiations with Roma began a long time ago and for various reasons they have continued on for this long," reflected Michele Gerbino to gazzettagiallorossa.it.

"The reason really was only one, however, as it was necessary to reach a financial arrangement with the club.

"It had nothing to do with Zdenek Zeman, because they began five months ago when he was not at the club. Had they been concluded sooner then he would not have gone to Zeman's pre-season training.

"Is Juan joining Bahia? No, he has 99 per cent agreed to sign for three years with Internacional of Porto Alegre.

"By tonight that should be concluded. There was an offer from Flamengo, but we'll say that Internacional's was better.

"Juan is currently waiting. We've landed in Rome right now and we will soon depart for Brazil."