RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) -- Botafogo captain Marlon Freitas could leave the club to join Brazilian Serie A rival Palmeiras, according to local media reports.

Negotiations are at an early stage, with Palmeiras willing to pay six million U.S. dollars for the 30-year-old holding midfielder, Gazeta Esportiva said.

The report added that Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira is seeking to strengthen his midfield following the departure of Anibal Moreno to River Plate.

Freitas has made 186 appearances for Botafogo in all competitions since joining from Atletico Goianiense in 2023. He captained the side to the Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Serie A titles last year.

Palmeiras finished second in this season's Brazilian Serie A behind Flamengo and lost the Copa Libertadores final to the same opponent.

Botafogo ended the league campaign in sixth place and was eliminated from the Libertadores in the round of 16. ■