Sao Paulo bid for Marseille defender

Rio de Janeiro, Jan 2: Sao Paulo are preparing an offer to sign highly rated Brazilian defender Doria on loan from Olympique Marseille, according to the media reports. The 20–year–old is yet to make a first–team appearance for the French football club after his September move from Rio de Janeiro outfit Botafogo. Sao Paulo coach Muricy Ramalho has made Doria a priority as he aims to bolster his options in central defence next season, Xinhua reported citing Lancenet. It is understood Italy’s Lazio have also made an offer to sign a loan agreement for the former Brazil under–20 captain. Doria played 93 matches for Botafogo and has been capped once by Brazil’s tiol team. IANS