The eve of the derby against Botafogo was a day of great news for Flamengo fans. On Tuesday afternoon in Gávea, Kleber Leite, the club's vice president of football, stated that the contract renewal of left-back Juan is practically finalized.

"I met with the player's representatives and felt we had reached an agreement. They listened to and accepted Flamengo's offer and will now pass it on to Juan, who will have the final say. We purchased 25% of his rights, increased his salary and his termination clause, and if he accepts, he will remain with us until 2010," he said.

Another well-advanced renewal is goalkeeper Diego's. Flamengo has proposed a one-year contract extension with the option to extend for another season. If the offer is accepted, Diego will stay until the end of 2008 or 2009.