Foolad's midfielder Hamid Bouhamdan (left) is marked by al-Gharafa's midfielder Gabriel Pires during the AFC Champions League group C match between Iran's Foolad and Qatar's al-Gharafa, at the Prince Abdullah bin Faisal stadium in the Saudi city of Jeddah, on April 7, 2022. (PHOTO / AFP)

RIO DE JANEIRO - Botafogo is interested in signing Benfica midfielder Gabriel Pires, according to media reports in Brazil.

Gabriel Pires, who is contracted to Benfica until June 2024, is due to return to the Portuguese club in July after a season-long loan at Al-Gharafa

The 28-year-old Brazilian, who is contracted to Benfica until June 2024, is due to return to the Portuguese club in July after a season-long loan at Al-Gharafa.

The Uol news portal reported that Botafogo see Pires as an option to support Lucas Fernandes and Lucas Pizon, who have struggled to make an impact since joining the Rio de Janeiro club earlier this year.

Botafogo is currently seventh in Brazil's 20-team top-flight standings after earning promotion from Serie B last November.

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Last December, American businessman John Textor bought a controlling stake in the club for an undisclosed amount.