RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The New York Red Bulls have reportedly made an offer to sign former Brazil international midfielder Juninho Pernambucano.

The 38-year-old is in the final month of his contract with Vasco da Gama and has been told he is free to negotiate with the Major League soccer outfit, Brazilian daily Estado de Sao Paulo reported Friday.

"Juninho is a fantastic player. But if he leaves we are going to have to carry on," Vasco president Roberto Dinamite said.

"It's going to be sad to see him go, but we'll have to get over it. He is very important to this club - an idol."

It is understood Juninho is unhappy at continued late wage payments as the Rio club's financial plight worsens.

The former Lyon star and his teammates will confront champions Fluminense in the last game of the Brazilian top-flight season on Sunday having not been paid since September.