Lima spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Carrow Road from Palmeiras, as the Canaries ran the rule over his potential, but a permanent transfer was not pursued

Following his stint in England, the Brazilian spent the next campaign on loan with Croatian top-flight side NK Osijek before securing a permanent move to Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit AVS Futebol SAD last summer.

The midfielder has impressed this term, making 29 appearances and registering eight goal contributions, prompting Sporting CP to advance their pursuit of his signature, with Lima now set for a medical.

The Jose Alvalade Stadium is set to be Pedro Lima’s new home (Image: PA)

According to a report in Portuguese media outlet O Jogo, the deal is worth up to €4 million, with a further €2 million potentially due in performance-related add-ons, while the former Norwich man is set to sign a five-year contract. Palmeiras are also reported to be owed 30% of the fee.

It’s been a disappointing league campaign for the 21-time champions, with FC Porto having already wrapped up the title heading into this weekend’s season finale.

Sporting currently sit second in the Primeira Liga and are in control of the Champions League qualification race, two points ahead of Lisbon rivals SL Benfica and with a significant goal difference cushion.

The prospect of playing in Europe’s premier club competition, with this year’s semi-finalists and the club where Cristiano Ronaldo first rose to prominence, would represent a significant step up from Lima’s time in Norfolk.

Under the then Under-21 coach Alan Neilson, Lima produced seven goal contributions in 14 Premier League Two appearances and also skippered the side in a 2-0 defeat to Southampton.

Pedro Lima pictured in Deepdale in April 2024 (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Amid an injury shortage, David Wagner named Lima in the matchday squad for a 1-0 win over Preston North End at Deepdale in April 2024, where his Brazilian compatriot Gabriel Sara scored a late winner, but he remained an unused substitute.

His Norwich exit was announced shortly afterwards, and in a farewell message posted on his Instagram page, Lima wrote: “Thank you, Norwich City FC, for the opportunity. It was an honour. I wish all the best for this incredible club. Come on, you Yellows.”

Two years on from his departure, the 23-year-old remains the last player recruited directly from South America, despite the club having two full-time scouts in the region.