RIO DE JANEIRO -- Brazilian police have begun probing the death of midfielder Daniel Correa after his mutilated body was found near the southern city of Curitiba.

The 24-year-old, who was on loan at Brazilian Serie B club Sao Bento, died from knife wounds with signs that he was tortured, according to the Curitiba Medical Legal Institute.

"The Sao Paulo Football Club deeply regrets the death of midfielder Daniel Correa Freitas," the six-time Brazilian Serie A champions said. "The club sympathises and pays condolences to the player's family."

Correa's body was found in a bush on Saturday in Sao Jose dos Pinhais, on the outskirts of Curitiba, according to police. Authorities said investigations were ongoing.

Daniel had played just two of a possible 21 league matches for Sao Bento this year because of injuries.

He also played for Cruzeiro, Botafogo and Ponte Preta after making his professional debut in 2013.