Is Leandro Damiao the Next Rising Star to Make Big-Money Move?

Leandro Damiao has been on the cusp of a move to Europe for what seems like forever now.

A technically gifted target man with a goalscoring instinct, the Internacional striker has been on the radar of Europe's top clubs for the past few years but a move has yet to arise.

The Brazilian has been linked with a move away from the Brasileirao, but no club has been able to agree a fee with Internacional.

The biggest obstacle has been the Porto Alegre club's refusal to lower the price tag slapped on the striker, which was recently raised to €25 million, Internacional president Giovanni Luigi told Corriere dello Sport (via Sambafoot).

This has put off more than a few interested clubs in Inter's desire to profit as much as possible from Damiao's sale.

Potential moves to Tottenham, Napoli and Southampton have already collapsed this summer for various different reasons.

Andre Villas-Boas' side pulled out of negotiations with Internacional due to their exorbitant asking price (H/T Sambafoot) and signed Spanish striker Roberto Soldado from Valencia instead.

Then along came Rafa Benitez's Napoli, but they were unable to agree personal terms due to a disagreement over sponsorship and image rights, Damiao's agent, Vinicus Prates, told reporters (via Sambafoot) and instead moved for Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid.

And now Damiao has dismissed any chances of linking up with Southampton in the Premier League, Prates told TMV (via Daily Express).

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He is wanted by several Premier League clubs. Southampton put in a request in the past, but Leandro Damiao has decided to target a more ambitious club.

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Damiao was also briefly linked with Russian side Zenit St Petersburg, but a proposed £21.5 million move failed to materialise.

With fellow Selecao stars Paulinho and Bernard leaving the Brasileirao to pursue their careers abroad, time is running out for Damiao.

Already 24 years old, the Internacional striker is no longer seen as a promising talent as he moves into his prime years.

The Jardim Alegre-born star can ill afford to miss out on a ticket to Europe for another season, as he risks another regression in his game as seen last season.

Turning down Southampton will not help Damiao's cause when he is already struggling to find a club that will take him for the quoted price of €25 million. 

Despite his desire to play in the Champions League, as reported by the Daily Mail, the Brazilian will have to compromise and move to a lesser European side in order to achieve his goal.

With less than a month to go before the European transfer window closes, Damiao will have to find a club that suits his abilities lest he stagnates once again in Brazil.

There are still clubs looking for a striker, but the Brazilian will have to convince Internacional to lower their asking price in order to achieve a move.

Only then, will the 24-year-old finally get his opportunity to shine in Europe.