Chelsea Transfer News: Alexandre Pato Deal Reportedly Close, Fresh Blues Rumours

Alexandre Pato is reportedly on his way to join Chelsea in the Premier League, after being linked with a host of clubs from England in recent weeks.      

Brazilian publication Lance (h/t Tom Maston of Goal.com) claim the Stamford Bridge club are in talks with the Corinthians forward, with the player keen on a return to European club football.

Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur also believes the player will join the west London club:

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According to Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Bruce Archer of the Daily Express), Liverpool were in pole position to land the Brazilian player. However, it now appears the champions have raced ahead of Jurgen Klopp's outfit. Pato was on loan at Sao Paulo last term, and he dramatically improved his form during his stay at the club.

The 26-year-old hit 15 goals in all competitions for his loan club, according to WhoScored.com, and he appears ready for the step up to the Premier League in due course. 

Chelsea could also recruit a second forward with Pato, as the Blues consider Paris Saint-Germain's Ezequiel Lavezzi.

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On Wednesday, the Argentinian international's agent, Alessandro Moggi, told Italian outlet Sport Mediaset (h/t ESPN FC) that Inter Milan and the Blues were the two clubs interested in the player's services.

Both players would be experienced options for interim manager Guus Hiddink, as he looks to rescue Chelsea's ambitions of Champions League football next term.

However, the club are into the knockout round of Europe's premier club tournament, and new signings in January will boost Chelsea's charge in the competition.

Pato was lauded when he first arrived in Europe after signing for AC Milan in Italy, but at 26, he still has much to offer—with plenty of miles left on the clock.