According to The Telegraph, Chelsea have held talks with Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato; whilst The Express report that Leeds United have accepted Everton’s £3million bid for Sam Byram.
Former AC Milan striker Pato, who netted 51 times in 117 Serie A appearances before having his San Siro career ruptured by injury, is keen to return to European football this month after three years in Brazil with Sao Paolo and Corinthians.
Interim Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink admitted earlier this week that the club’s strike-force lacks depth and The Telegraph claim they’re resultantly in talks with the Brazil international regarding a January move to Stamford Bridge.
Rated at around £10million, the 26-year-old is seen as a cheaper alternative to fellow targets Carlos Bacca and Jamie Vardy – who could both cost around triple that sum. Pato has also been linked with Liverpool in recent weeks but manager Jurgen Klopp has dismissed rumours of an impending bid.
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Meanwhile, The Express report that Leeds United have accepted Everton’s £3million bid for versatile youngster Sam Byram.
The 22-year-old is widely regarded as one of the Championship’s most exciting prospects, having already registered 142 appearances for the Yorkshire outfit, and is equally comfortable at right-back or right midfield.
The Essex-born prodigy had refused to extend his Elland Road contract past the end of the season, leading to widespread Premier League interest in his services, essentially forcing Leeds to sell this month.
And it appears Everton have won the race for Byram’s signature, fending off the likes of Aston Villa, West Ham, Watford and Newcastle in the process, with the Whites accepting a £3million bid.
The deal is likely to include performance-related add-ons and the Toffees are reportedly now discussing personal terms.