Orlando Pirates among clubs approached over free-agent striker Alvaro de Oliveira

Orlando Pirates are among the Betway Premiership clubs to have been contacted about Brazilian striker Alvaro de Oliveira, although the Soweto club have not received a formal proposal.

De Oliveira, 25, is currently without a club after recently leaving United Arab Emirates side Al Bataeh Club. His representatives are understood to be looking for his next opportunity in South Africa and North Africa.

The forward has been presented to a number of clubs in the Betway Premiership, with Pirates among the teams identified by his representatives as a possible destination.

However, no direct approach has yet been made to the club’s senior management. Instead, preliminary enquiries have reportedly been made through individuals and scouts with links to Pirates to establish whether there might be interest before any proposal is taken further.

“Pirates are one of the clubs that were approached, but there was no formal approach made to the club. It was more through people and scouts close to or working with the club to try and see if there could be interest and whether it could then be taken further to the higher management,” the source told the Siya crew.

The source said the interest in Pirates was partly influenced by the club’s recent signing of Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen.

Pedersen joined Pirates during the current transfer window but has not yet made his competitive debut. His arrival has nevertheless been viewed by De Oliveira’s representatives as an indication that the club may be willing to consider forwards with a similar profile.

“The South African representatives and their counterparts overseas were motivated by the fact that Pirates recently signed Sebastian Pedersen. They felt that if Pirates were looking at that type of profile, they could also be interested in a player of Alvaro’s calibre,” the source added.

That reasoning has led De Oliveira’s representatives to regard Pirates as a potentially suitable option, but there is currently no indication that the club are preparing to make an offer or have opened formal negotiations for the striker.

De Oliveira’s availability follows his departure from Al Bataeh Club, with his representatives continuing to assess options in both South Africa and North Africa.

The forward is also understood to possess an Arab-country passport in addition to his Brazilian nationality. That additional nationality could be a factor for clubs considering whether to pursue a move for him.

For now, Pirates remain one of the clubs linked with the player at an exploratory level, rather than a team confirmed to be in talks over a transfer.