QUITO - Flamengo have submitted a formal offer to secure striker Pedro on loan from Fiorentina, according to press reports in Brazil and Italy.

The 22-year-old has made just four appearances across all competitions - each time as a late substitute - since joining the Italian club from Fluminense in September.

Flamengo's proposal includes an option to buy the Brazil U-23 starlet after 12 months, Globo Esporte reported.

However the Rio de Janeiro giants are facing competition for Pedro's signature from Gremio, Besiktas, Nantes and several teams from Portugal, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Pedro grabbed the attention of European clubs in 2018 by scoring 19 goals in 40 matches before his season was cut short by an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Flamengo, who released Pedro from their youth academy when he was 14, also tried to sign the forward last year.