Despite hearsay and rumors, Brazilian soccer star Fred's agent Rodrigo Chavez declared Friday that negotiations with Fluminense are closer than ever to being agreed upon.

Fred currently plays for French team Lyon, and Chavez claims that talks are advanced and well on their way.

In all reality, the negotiations between Lyon and Fluminense are in the late stages of development.

Helping Fluminense's case is the fact that Lyon owes the player benefits and salaries that have yet to be paid and Lyon does not want to pay Fred.

"Lyon president wants Fred to reduce the amount owed, but Fred won't to it. He has already made concessions on his salary for the stint of the rest of his contract," said Chavez.

The forward's agent claimed that Fred was anxious to solve the problems with Lyon and get out of there as soon as possible.

"He said as soon as he heard the word from Lyon that he was freed from his contract, he will hop on the first plane to Brazil and go directly to Fluminense's training facility.

"There are a few loose ends to be tied, but negotiations are well on their way."

Fluminense's coordinator of soccer, Alexandre Faria, is scheduled to head to France in the next couple of days. He hopes to talk personally with the president of Lyon Jean Michel Aulas in order to bring the player back to Brazil.

(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2009)