Shandong Luneng in talks for Rio friendly

Rio de Janeiro, Jan 13 (IANS) China's Shandong Luneng are in talks to play a friendly against two-time Brazilian champions Botafogo later this month, the Rio de Janeiro club has revealed. Botafogo are hopeful of scheduling the match Jan 24 at the Engenhao stadium, which will host Rio's 2016 Olympic track and field events, reports Xinhua.

The venue had been expected to reopen Feb 1 after almost two years of repair work on a faulty roof.

According to Botafogo president Carlos Eduardo Pereira, the date could be moved forward to accommodate the fixture.

"We still depend on some issues (for the match to go ahead)," Pereira told Uol.

"Fans are anxious to return to the Engenhao and this is a good opportunity for it to occur."

Shandong Luneng will play a friendly against Palmeiras in Sao Paulo January 17.