Gremio have rejected reports in the Brazilian media they are interested in ending Jefferson Farfan’s Al Jazira nightmare.

Farfan, 31, has endured a miserable first season since a €6 million (Dh24.4m) summer move from Schalke 04. The Peru forward is currently sidelined after surgery on an ankle injury last month, previously only scoring twice in nine Arabian Gulf League appearances.

This situation has seen him vulnerable in the January shake-up at the Pride of Abu Dhabi. But one destination which can be ruled out is the Tricolor.

“This player is on a contract in which he receives $4m a year,” sports manager Rui Costa told UOL. “He is injured, but nothing serious. However, there is no negotiation with the athlete.”

Farfan was expected to help Jazira turn last term’s second-placed finish into a title victory.

Instead, he contributed little before coming off hurt during November ’s 4-1 humbling at Al Ahli. The former PSV Eindhoven star’s left ankle was operated on successfully in Amsterdam on December 12, with a return date projected for late February.

Despite being poised for a comeback, there is a possibility he will be made surplus to requirements
before the close of the window.

Under new coach Henk ten Cate, the club have already brought in Cardiff striker Kenwyne Jones and Getafe midfielder Angel Lafita. They are also pursuing a foreign defender to fill the last of three non-Asian foreign spots, a situation which would require Farfan’s exit.