Jul 11, 2012 01:52 AM EDT
Chelsea Transfer News: No Deal With Chelsea Yet, Says Hulk

Chelsea target Hulk insisted a deal was not in place for him to move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

The Brazilian striker has been constantly linked with a move to Chelsea; with several reports, initially, suggesting a deal was imminent.

However, the trail has gone a little cold over the past few weeks, with his Portuguese club FC Porto refusing to come down from their price for their striker.

Chelsea are reportedly ready to pay around £38 million ($59 million) for the 25-year-old, but it is understood Porto are holding out for more, with the striker reportedly having a €100 million (£79.2 million, $123 million) buyout clause.

While Porto do not expect any club to pay that kind of amount, the Portuguese champions expect a higher fee than the £38 million.

The European champions have already considerably strengthened their squad, by signing the likes of Eden Hazard and Marko Marin for £32 million ($50 million) and £7 million ($11 million) respectively.

The Blues are also reportedly closing in on Brazilian youngster Oscar for around £22 million ($34 million). Although Oscar's Brazilian club Internacional came out saying they had not received any bids for their player, it is believed a move for the playmaker is imminent.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has made Hulk his No 1 target as he looks to bring in players suited to Fernando Torres's style of play, after the Russian billionaire shelled out a British record £50 million ($77.5 million) for the striker.

Hulk, however, denied a move to Chelsea was close. "There is no deal with Chelsea or any other club," Hulk told Lancenet. "I have four years left on my contract with Porto and I am focused on the national team.

"I have not spoken with anyone.

"As everyone knows, I do not want to get involved in such affairs because that removes your focus. My agent handles such things."

Another reported Chelsea target, Lucas Moura, who has been heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan, said he was always happy to hear about big clubs trailing him. "There is nothing concrete that I know," the 19-year-old said. "There is only speculation, but I am happy that a big club like Inter are after me."

Manchester United are also reportedly interested, with a United delegation recently flying out to Brazil to try and entice the playmaker to move to Old Trafford.

Loading ...
 PREVIOUS POST
NEXT POST 

featured articles    

Killerspin Revolution SVR Table Review

Tips for Returning to Sport Safely During the Pandemic

Maven Acquires Sports Illustrated, Taps Ross Levinsohn as CEO

How You Can Save Money on Kids' Sports Clothes Using Discount Coupons

Ways to Keep Your Body Physically and Mentally Healthy

How to Choose the Best Catcher's Bag