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RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 11-- Flamengo are close to signing Lille midfielder Thiago Maia as the Rio de Janeiro giants continue to bolster their squad for the 2020 season, according to media reports. The 22-year-old was not a part of Lille's match day squad in their 2-0 victory over Amiens in the Coupe de la Ligue on Wednesday (Jan. 8), prompting speculation in the French and Brazilian press about his possible departure. On Saturday, Brazil's Uol news portal said that negotiations between Lille and Flamengo were in their final stages. Maia has made 58 Ligue 1 appearances for the club since his 2017 move from Santos. A member of the Brazil team that won gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics, Maia would be Flamengo's fourth signing of the new year, if the deal is confirmed. The reigning Brazilian Serie A champions have already announced the arrivals of winger Michael, forward Pedro Rocha and defender Gustavo Henrique this month. | 
