Santos president Marcelo Teixeira admits he is worried that his resurgent team might be on the point of breaking up.

Teixeira is still negotiating terms with goalkeeper Fabio Costa, full back Leo, defender Alex, midfielder Renato and striker Fabiano, all of whose contracts expire at the end of this month.

“I can’t promise something that doesn’t just depend on me,” he told reporters.

“We have a number of undefined situations and because of the elections I cannot promise that these contracts will be renewed.”

After a prolonged period of mediocrity, Santos shocked observers last year by winning the Brazilian championship for the first time in their history.

They lost their title to Cruzeiro this year but are still second in the table and have already ensured themselves a place in next year’s South American Libertadores Cup.

However, Santos’ success has not gone unnoticed and many European clubs are known to be monitoring the form of several key performers.

There are two players Teixeira refuses to contemplate selling. The teenage duo Diego and Robinho have already seen their contracts extended and according to the president, they are too important to the club to be sold.

“We can’t sell Diego or Robinho because they have brought back the club’s identity,” he said.