RIO DE JANEIRO, March 19 (Xinhua) -- Cruzeiro is close to a deal to sign Portuguese manager Artur Jorge on a contract running until December 2027, the Brazilian club said on Thursday.

Jorge, who is currently the manager of Al-Rayyan, has agreed to personal terms with Cruzeiro and told the Qatari club of his desire to leave.

"It is not finalized yet, but it is very well advanced," Cruzeiro owner Pedro Lourenco said. "We are exchanging documents and are very hopeful of announcing it as soon as possible and having him there this weekend to attend the match against Santos."

Local media reported that Al-Rayyan had requested 2.5 million U.S. dollars to release the 54-year-old.

Jorge joined Al-Rayyan from Botafogo in January 2025, just weeks after leading the Rio de Janeiro club to the 2024 Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Serie A titles.

Cruzeiro has been without a manager since parting ways with former Brazil national team boss Tite on Sunday.

The Belo Horizonte club is currently 19th in the 20-team Brazilian Serie A standings, without a win in six games. ■