Pato closing on Chelsea move
In an interesting twist, reports emerging from Brazil and London suggest that Alexandre Pato is close to signing for four-time Premier League champions Chelsea. The 26-year-old has been linked with the London club since the beginning of the transfer window but Guus Hiddink dismissed such rumours last week. However, reports suggest that Chelsea is in advanced talks with the player’s agent and that a move to bring the striker to Stamford Bridge could be completed by the end of the week. Hiddink did indicate that the club needs to improve their forward line, recognizing that they have struggled to score goals this season.
Elsewhere, Chelsea is also linked with Argentine forward Ezequiel Lavezzi, who is currently in London. Lavezzi’s contract expires in the summer which makes it easier for the Blues to sign him as they could get him for a very low price.
Sunderland striker Danny Graham has signed for Blackburn Rovers until the end of the season. The Englishman has never really found his form from his Swansea City days since leaving in 2013 and has only scored one goal in 30 appearances.
In a weird turn of events, Sam Byram, who we initially reported to have signed for Everton has now opted for a move to West Ham, who announced the signing for the defender for an undisclosed fee. West Ham stated that they “fought off strong competition” for his signature.
It has been a turbulent season for Chelsea and their players especially full back Branislav Ivanovic, who the club recently announced has signed a new one year contract. The Serbian, who hasn’t had such a good season, has said to have declined a move to AC Milan in order to stay at Stamford Bridge.