Bernard: Prepared to delay a possible move to Europe

The highly-rated Atletico Mineiro midfielder is being tipped to join the growing ranks of South American stars in the Premier League this summer.

The 20-year-old is, however, reluctant to walk away from his current employers ahead of a Copa Libertadores campaign.

He claims there is no chance of him completing a switch until that trophy quest has come to a close, but concedes that his long-term future will lie away from Atletico.

Bernard told Globo Esporte: "There is no chance I will leave before the Libertadores.

"I have made that clear to Atletico. If they want to sell me, do so after the Libertadores. I want to make history at this club.

"There is nothing right now, just speculation.

"The club's president has said I am unlikely to stay, that it will be hard to keep me, so I am waiting on a decision.

"If he decides something, we will sit down and talk and decide what is best for everyone."

Atletico president Alexandre Kalili is reluctant to be drawn on Bernard's future at this stage, telling Superesportes: "I won't talk about this. I will only talk when he is sold."