Pato ‘on brink of completing £10million move to Chelsea’

Alexandre Pato: Poised to seal switch to Chelsea

Alexandre Pato is reportedly closing on a £10million switch to Chelsea from Corinthians, according to widespread claims in Brazil.

Former AC Milan forward Pato, 26, has confirmed he is interested in moving to the Premier League this winter and it’s claimed the Blues are in advanced talks with the forward’s agent.

Chelsea interim manager Guus Hidink is keen to bring in a new striker during this month’s transfer window with the club struggling for goals this season and Pato has emerged as the club’s top target, with reports claiming he is set to take a big wage-cut to make the move to Stamford Bridge.

ESPN Brasil claim that Pato has verbally agreed a deal and he is set to sign a contract worth €2.3 million (£1.77m) a year with the Premier League champions.

Earlier this month, Pato rejected a lucrative offer from Chinese second-division club Tianjin Quanjian that was worth €9m a year.

Liverpool were also linked but boss Jurgen Klopp told a news conference he was not interested in the player.

Pato, who has won 27 caps for the Brazilian national team, joined Corinthians from Milan in 2013 but was loaned to Sao Paulo the following year.