Flamengo join race to sign Brazil midfielder Arouca

Arouca of Santos in action during a match against Atletico-PR.

Rio de Janeiro, Jan 11 (IANS) Football club Flamengo have joined the race to sign Brazil international midfielder Arouca.

Arouca has launched legal action to terminate his contract with current club Santos due to late salary payments, reports Xinhua.

Eight-time Brazilian Serie A champions Palmeiras have also been linked with a move for the 28-year-old, whose deal at Santos expires in 2016.

But a move to Flamengo could be made more attractive to Arouca as he shows reticence to join Palmeiras - one of Santos' traditional rivals. The player also has family in Rio de Janeiro, where he grew up, and where Flamengo is based.

Arouca has won six titles in five seasons at Santos and was part of the team's triumph in the 2011 Copa Libertadores, South America's top club competition.

He has been capped four times for Brazil since his international debut in 2012.