Corinthians have not given up hope of signing former Brazil international midfielder Elias before Monday's international transfer deadline.
The 28-year-old has agreed to terms with the Brazilian giants, who are understood to have baulked at Sporting Lisbon's four million-euro price tag for 50 percent of the player's economic rights, Xinhua reported.
"Elias is a big chance of joining the squad," Corinthians coach Mano Menezessaid during a press conference Friday. "We are working towards it but it will be tough because we only have until March 31."
Menezes has made no secret of his desire to bolster Corinthians' squad after the club's disappointing 2013.
The Sao Paulo outfit backed up their 2012 Copa Libertadores-FIFA Club World Cup double with a mid-table finish in Brazil's top flight and a second round exit in South America's premier club competition.
Elias, who spent 2013 on loan with Rio de Janeiro side Flamengo, has been capped 13 times for Brazil since his international debut in 2010.
