Pirlo's wages make Palmeiras move unlikely - club president

Andrea Pirlo's exorbitant wage demands mean he is unlikely to become a Palmeiras player any time soon, according to club president Paulo Nobre, who also revealed Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto'o had been offered.

Media reports in USA and Brazil have claimed that Palmeiras made an offer for the 36-year-old, who only joined New York City FC on a free transfer from Juventus in July.

However, despite admitting that negotiations had been held to sign Pirlo, the Brazilian club's president has poured cold water over the rumours by claiming that it would be impossible to afford his salary.

"The agents in charge of Pirlo, Drogba and Eto'o's affairs contacted Palmeiras about any possible interest, once their contracts came to an end," he told TV Gazeta.

"But their wages are prohibitive, there is no chance of coming to an agreement over a transfer.

"At the present time nothing has come through which could lead to talks."

Pirlo won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, has two Champions League titles to his name, and won six Scudetti with AC Milan and Juventus during a glittering club career in Italy.

He has made 12 MLS appearances for New York City since his arrival in August, assisting two goals.

Drogba has also been plying his trade in the US since this summer, scoring seven times in as many appearances for Montreal Impact, while Eto'o plays in Turkey for Antalyaspor.