Fernando Diniz optimistic as Memphis nears new Corinthians deal | OneFootball

Fernando Diniz says Memphis Depay is close to extending his Corinthians contract, and believes he is very near to being able to call on the No 10 soon. His comments followed the club’s Copa do Brasil exit.

On Thursday night Corinthians were knocked out by Internacional at Neo Química Arena, with Depay watching from the boxes as talks continued. Meu Timao reports that negotiations have reached the exchange-of-drafts stage, with terms long agreed and only legal review remaining on a complex bilingual contract.

Diniz said the renewal is near and that, in the coming days, he believes an agreement will be struck, allowing them to work together for the first time. He noted they have shared only four or five days of training so far, yet hailed Depay as decisive, adding quality and experience to the squad.

There is an expectation he could be available for the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 against Rosario Central in Argentina next Thursday at 21:30. He is already registered for the competition.

Depay has undergone cardiac tests, physiotherapy assessments and an MRI, with fitness to be judged once he resumes on pitch work. Corinthians visit Red Bull Bragantino on Sunday in the 22nd round of the Campeonato Brasileiro at Estádio Municipal de Bragança Paulista at 18:30, and must register him on the CBF’s BID by Friday to use him.

Source: Meu Timao

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