Goalkeeper Julio Cesar’s claim that he was closing in on a move away from QPR has been strongly denied by the executive director of Brazilian club Gremio.

Director, Rui Costa, dismissed the ex-Inter Milan keeper’s suggestion that an offer is on the table from Gremio and added that the Brazilian club are happy with their current stopper.

QPR manager Harry Redknapp has favoured England international Robert Green in goal this season and with a home World Cup nearing, Cesar is believed to be looking for regular first-team football.

However, Costa appears adamant that Cesar won’t be moving to Gremio.

“There is no chance that Gremio will sign Julio Cesar. Our first-team goalkeeper is Marcelo Grohe,” he told Radio Gaucha.

Costa’s denial came only hours after Cesar had spoken of his happiness at Gremio’s interest in signing him.

"The negotiations are very advanced and are well underway, but I have not signed anything yet," he told Globa Esporte.

"I am happy with Gremio's interest. It is a great club and playing in the Copa Libertadores makes it even more interesting to finalise the negotiation.

"I was given interesting information about the city of Porto Alegre. It is a great city to live in and I am thankful for their interest."

Arsenal had been linked with a move for Cesar during last summer's transfer window, but Wojciech Szczesny’s impressive form this season appears to have cooled the Gunners interest in a new keeper.