Flamengo desperate to hold onto Ibson

Brazilian club look to make move permanent

FC Porto's Ibson has been a revelation since his move to Flamengo in 2007 and the Rio de Janeiro side are anxious to hold onto their prize assest as they head towards negotiations with the Portuguese champions.

The 25 year-old forward recently made his 20th appearance this season for Flamengo this past Sunday against Santo Andre, but it has been his performaces overall (72 app. & 18 goals) that has the Brazilian outfit keen on retaining the player's services.

The forward himself has reiterated on various occasions that he does not want to return to Portugal with Porto, but remain with the Mengao.

Now Flamengo's president, Marcio Braga, has claimed that the club will send a delegation to Porto in an attempt to have the player stay with the club on a permanent basis as Ibson's loan expires on June4.

"We will do everything we can do to keep Ibson at Flmengo," declared Braga. "He is like a son and he does not want to leave. He has had some excellent performances."

"Serpa Pinto (director of football) will go to Europe to converse with the Porto officials."