Guus Hiddink said Alexandre Pato is set for an imminent move to Chelsea and also confirmed the upcoming signing of Matt Miazga ahead of the Blues' FA Cup fourth-round clash with MK Dons on Sunday.
The Brazilian has been on the verge of a six-month loan move from Corinthians to Stamford Bridge for the last few days, per the Guardian's Dominic Fifield.
According to the Chelsea manager, only final paperwork now stands in the way of the switch, while New York Red Bulls defender Miazga is also closing in on a deal, per the club's Twitter feed:
Guus says Pato is in London with the final paperwork still to be completed. He says there is no rush. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 29, 2016
Guus says the fact Pato will join on loan means it is not a big gamble and it is a situation that suits all parties. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 29, 2016
Guus says Matt Miazga will be a squad player when his deal is finalised and the manager will assess his qualities in training. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 29, 2016
Pato excelled in fits and starts early in his career at AC Milan but was plagued by injury. Chelsea are clearly hoping that the 26-year-old striker can stay fit in the second half of the season to help them move into the top half of the Premier League table.
Hiddink also stressed the continued value of centre-back Gary Cahill to the Blues side, per ESPN FC's Liam Twomey:
Hiddink says he's spoken to Gary Cahill about his future in recent days: "He is of big value and will prove that in the upcoming time." #cfc
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) January 29, 2016
This comes after recent reports from the Daily Star (h/t the Mirror) that the Englishman is a target for Liverpool.
Chelsea claimed a vital away win at Arsenal in the league last time out, but now their focus shifts to the cup and a competition that Hiddink won in 2009 during his previous interim spell in charge in west London.
The former PSV Eindhoven boss insisted that Chelsea's aim in this year's FA Cup is to win it again:
Hiddink says his focus is completely on Sunday's game. He says a club like Chelsea must always try to win trophies. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 29, 2016
The hosts will be no pushovers at Stadium mk on Sunday, but Chelsea will be the clear favourites to advance.
MK Dons are currently struggling in the Championship, and although Chelsea have had a poor season by their lofty standards, they should have more than enough quality to topple Karl Robinson's side.
Hiddink has few injury worries to be concerned about, but Loic Remy is a doubt for the clash, per ESPN FC's Ben Dinnery:
Hiddink on Remy: "He’s injured at the moment. He’s got a slight injury on his calf. We’ll see what happens in the upcoming days." #CFC
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) January 29, 2016
Diego Costa will likely lead the line, and he could have a field day against a side that have conceded 41 league goals this season.
There is no room for complacency on Chelsea's part, but they should book themselves a spot in the fifth round on Sunday barring a major upset.
