Chelsea Suffer Blow In Pursuit Of £38m Striker

Chelsea must fight off competition from some of Europe’s top clubs for the signature of Porto striker Hulk, according to the players agent.

Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move for the striker in recent weeks, and reports had suggested a deal that would take him the West London was close to being finalised.

The Daily Mail are reporting today that the Brazilian front man has tried to force through a move to Stamford Bridge after telling Porto that he wants to join the Blues this summer, but it seems the Portuguese outfit are determined to keep hold of their star man.

It’s understood that Hulk has a £80m buy-out clause in his contract, but Porto would be willing to do business at around £38m.

However, the player’s agent Teodoro Fonseca is quoted in the Mail as saying that Chelsea aren’t the only big European club interested in signing the 25-year-old, and even hinted his client could remain in Portugal.

‘The Blues [Chelsea] are not the only European club interested and at the moment it all depends on Porto,’

‘I am in permanent contact with president Pinto Da Costa but there have been no advances on this subject.

‘The club want him to stay and we have received the offer of a new deal. If Hulk stays in Porto then there is no problem as he is happy in Porto.

‘He has had three years of interest from big European clubs and he still plays in Portugal.’

Fonseca is quoted as saying in the Daily Mail.

Chelsea are desperate to land a big name striker to replace Didier Drogba, who left the club this summer, and Hulk is believed to be there number one target. Roman Abramovich is hoping to add the powerful striker, as he continues to revamp his squad ahead of next season with Eden Hazard and Marko Marin already in the bag.

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