RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Striker Gabriel Barbosa is close to returning to former club Santos on a year-long loan from Cruzeiro, Brazilian media reported.

The 29-year-old former Brazil international is under contract with Cruzeiro until December 2028 but struggled for regular playing time following his move from Flamengo in January.

Barbosa made 49 appearances across all competitions for the Belo Horizonte side, often as a substitute, scoring 13 goals and providing four assists.

Globo Esporte reported that Santos is seeking an agreement under which the two clubs would each cover 50% of the forward's salary.

The report added that Barbosa's close relationship with Santos forward Neymar could play a role in the negotiations.

Barbosa scored 83 goals in 207 games for Santos across two separate spells. ■