'Europe too cold for Gabigol - it would be a dream to have him back at Santos'

Santos president Modesto Roma Junior says it would be "a dream" to welcome Gabriel Barbosa back to the Brazilian club, but feels his struggles at Inter may be down to bad weather.

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The 20-year-old attacker attracted a great deal of interest from some of Europe's top sides before he joined Inter in the last transfer window for around €30 million, with Barcelona even claiming a breach of contract when he was sold without their knowledge.

Despite the hype, the winger and forward has been unable to secure a place in the Inter first-team, having made just one appearance in all competitions - a 15-minute cameo in a 1-1 draw with Bologna in September.

Gabriel, nicknamed Gabigol, has been linked to a loan move away from San Siro ahead of the January transfer window in order to gain first-team football, and Santos are seen as one potential destination.

And the Santos chief admits he would be delighted to welcome the promising player back to Brazil, but feels the cold weather in Italy could be affecting his adaptation to his new surroundings.

“For me it remains a dream and sometimes dreams come true," he told Bradesco Esportes FM. "Now he plays with Inter but if they wish to grant him a loan move, I would be very happy to welcome him back.

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"I haven’t spoken to him but now it’s cold in Europe and that is one thing that I know he doesn’t like."

Gabigol remains tied to Inter until 2021.