Jonatas' future in doubt

Jonatas' future at Espanyol is in doubt with his agent claiming he is set to join Flamengo.

The 25-year-old is desperate to leave the Barcelona-based club and only has eyes for Flamengo, where he played between 2002 and 2006, but the Brazilian side have stated that no deal has been agreed yet.

While negotiations are set to continue there is some confusion as Jonatas is currently on tour in England with Espanyol and has not been given the green light to leave.

"The agreement between Jonatas and Flamengo is finalised," the player's representative Eduardo Uram said.

That view contrasts with both Espanyol's and Flamengo's thoughts on the matter as the Spanish side have to decide upon the offer of taking Rodrigo de Souza Cardozo on loan as part of the deal that would see Jonatas leave.

"The operation is not completed," Flamengo's vice president, Cleber Leite, said. "But the negotiations are very advanced.

"We hope to be able to announce a loan deal for one year in the next few days."

Having informed Espanyol that he wanted to return home, Jonatas, whose father was kidnapped in December 2006, has said that he only wants to move to Flamengo.

That demand has held up his departure as Los Periquitos are keen to sell him, but Flamengo are unable to afford the asking price of his wages.

Another dilemma is whether Espanyol want Souza as they have fulfilled their quota of strikers.

The 25-year-old former CSKA Sofia and Maritimo has a similar style to Walter Pandiani, who has joined Osasuna, and would offer power and an aerial threat up front.

Meanwhile, Espanyol defender David Garcia is set to be sidelined for a minimum of 20 days.

Garcia picked up a leg injury during the friendly against Coventry and medical tests have confirmed a strained muscle.