Rio de Janeiro, Dec 9 (IANS): Borussia Dortmund have emerged as the front-runners to sign highly rated Brazilian midfielder Pedrinho.

The German club's representatives have held negotiations with Pedrinho's agent, Will Dantas, and are expected to make a formal offer for the 20-year-old Corinthians player within days, according to Brazilian press reports, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Things will happen when the moment is right," Pedrinho told the Uol news service. "I have spoken with my agent. They are big teams that are interested and you dream of playing with them but for now my focus is on Corinthians."

Barcelona and Real Madrid are among a host of other clubs linked to the left-footer, who can play as a No. 10 or in a wide role.

Pedrinho, whose contract with Corinthians expires in December 2020, has made 46 Brazilian Serie A appearances for the Sao Paulo club since his 2016 move from Vitoria.

Borussia Dortmund currently lead the Bundesliga standings with 11 wins and three draws from 14 matches. The team from western Germany hold a nine-point lead over second-placed Bayern Munich.