|
|
‘I would not be surprised if someone pays £83 million for Hulk’ – Porto president Pinto da Costa fears Chelsea bid for striker
The Portuguese champions' supremo wants the powerful forward to remain at the club but admitted that his hefty release clause may not be enough to fend off interest this winter
2 Jan 2012 14:46:00
By Luis Mira
Getty Images
Porto president Pinto da Costa has conceded that he remains hopeful Chelsea target Hulk will not leave the club in January.
The Brazil international has been strongly linked with a transfer to Chelsea as the Premier League giants look to add to their attacking options following Nicolas Anelka's departure to Shanghai Shenhua.
Hulk's agent fuelled the rumours by revealing last week that his client holds the wish of reuniting with coach Andre Villas-Boas after the pair enjoyed a successful 2010-11 season at Porto.
The £83 million release clause attached to Hulk's contract is likely to deter many interested parties, but Pinto da Costa is not too confident that it will be enough to prevent the striker from leaving.
"I hope that no-one meets Hulk's buy-out clause, but I would not be surprised if someone pays £83m some day," he told Jornal de Noticias.
"I would like, however, that no-one paid that figure."
Hulk, who has a contract with Porto until 2016, admitted on Saturday that he could leave the Estadio do Dragao, where he has played since 2008.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The Brazil international has been strongly linked with a transfer to Chelsea as the Premier League giants look to add to their attacking options following Nicolas Anelka's departure to Shanghai Shenhua.
Hulk's agent fuelled the rumours by revealing last week that his client holds the wish of reuniting with coach Andre Villas-Boas after the pair enjoyed a successful 2010-11 season at Porto.
The £83 million release clause attached to Hulk's contract is likely to deter many interested parties, but Pinto da Costa is not too confident that it will be enough to prevent the striker from leaving.
"I hope that no-one meets Hulk's buy-out clause, but I would not be surprised if someone pays £83m some day," he told Jornal de Noticias.
"I would like, however, that no-one paid that figure."
Hulk, who has a contract with Porto until 2016, admitted on Saturday that he could leave the Estadio do Dragao, where he has played since 2008.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
-
The five players Rodgers could sign to kick-start revolution
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Lambert takes Villa job
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
