Norwich City are ready to open talks with Palmeiras over the permanent signing of young midfielder Pedro Lima, according to reports in Brazil. 

Lima has spent the season on loan at Carrow Road and operated with the under-21 side, although has been included in matchday groups in recent weeks. 

He has impressed with his performances in England and multiple sources in Brazil are reporting that Norwich are ready to pursue a permanent deal for the youngster in the summer as they make alterations to their squad. 

Last summer, due to fan pressure on Palmeiras, Lima was forced to sign on loan despite Norwich wanting to strike a permanent deal.  

There was confidence from City's side that a deal could be struck if Lima impressed, something he has done with his performances in Alan Neilson's side, having recorded seven goal contributions in 12 appearances since his move from Brazil. 

Reports in Brazil state that Lima has a release clause of around £10m (R$60 million) but that a lower price would be negotiated. Palmeiras also own a large portion of his rights and would look to insert a sell-on clause into any deal. 

Lima has revealed that he remains open-minded about his future and has enjoyed playing in English football, even if that has been limited to the Canaries' U21s rather than the first team.

"If Palmeiras asks me to come back and use myself, I will certainly come back very happy, after all, it is a dream to play for Palmeiras," Lima told Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte. 

"If I stay in Europe too, I will definitely be very happy. Playing in Europe is every boy’s dream."

Lima was the third player to move to Carrow Road directly from South America after Marcelino Nunez and Gabriel Sara completed moves from the region back in the summer of 2022. 

City employ full-time scouts in the region, and Ben Knapper has committed to continuing their work in the continent. 

"The club has done fantastic work in setting up a presence in the South American market. We have people on the ground there who are well-connected and plugged into that network," he told the Pink Un last month. 

Eastern Daily Press: Ben Knapper is hoping to profit from Norwich City's work in South America.Ben Knapper is hoping to profit from Norwich City's work in South America. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

"It is an absolute hotbed of talent; everyone knows that so why wouldn't we? It is somewhere that is really interesting for us and it is somewhere the club has had success with previously and will continue to look.

"We're not one-dimensional, and it's not that we're only looking there, but it's absolutely a key market that we'd be foolish to say that we're not interested in that anymore. There are great players out there, value to be had, and there are real opportunities.

"It is somewhere we will continue to focus and build on the good work that has already taken place."