Experienced boss Wanderley Luxemburgo has been sacked by Brazilian side Palmeiras after reported differences with forward Keirrison.

The Palmeiras board have already started the search for Luxemburgo's replacement, with Muricy Ramalho - who was last week dismissed by Sao Paulo - the main candidate.

"We are studying the names. Muricy is one of them, but we have other options," said Palmeiras vice-president Gilberto Cipullo.

"Jorginho, the B team coach, will be on the bench against Santos.

"We are going to decide the name as soon as possible to start a new era next week."

Yesterday afternoon, Palmeiras striker Keirrison claimed he would not take part in tomorrow's derby against Santos because he is set to join European champions Barcelona.

"Sadly I am not going to play the next game against Santos," he told his website.

"This decision was taken alongside Palmeiras' board due to Barcelona's official interest in me, and as long as the negotiations go on I will train differently than the other players."

Luxemburgo has only last year's Campeonato Paulista title to show for his efforts in his fourth stint with Palmeiras.

He guided the team to qualification for the Copa Libertadores, but they were eliminated by Uruguayan side Nacional in the quarter-finals.