Fluminense star striker Fred was reported on Thursday to be likely to join Italy's Napoli.

A representative of the Italian club is expected to arrive in Rio de Janeiro in the upcoming weeks to finalize the deal. Fred currently has three and a half years remaining on his contract with Fluminense.

A potential reason for Fluminense to release Fred is the expected signing of Deco. The Brazilian native and Portuguese national is close to signing with Fluminense, leaving his English club Chelsea after the 2010 World Cup.