Ramalho is confident the player is willing to return to the side where he made his name, but revealed the two parties still have differing financial expectations.

"For the numbers mentioned it won't work. That's why players of Robinho's stature don't come to Santos. Many players return to Brazil looking to get back into the national side. But the club can't sign a player when the wage demands are impossibly high," Ramalho said.

Robinho is reportedly demanding over one million reais a month after tax, equal to the sum he receives at Italian club AC Milan. Santos are capable of paying approximately half the amount requested.

But in spite of negotiations reaching an impasse, Ramalho remains optimistic in bringing the player back to Santos.

"Robinho has always been our primary target. When the player has the will to join the club it makes the deal easier. But it remains difficult due to the salary demands," he said.

As well as reaching an agreement with the player Santos still need to close the deal with Milan. The Italians have already refused an offer of seven and a half million euros and are believed to be demanding 10 million euros for the 28-year-old.