Blues looking to sign Douglas Costa from Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk.
Chelsea have upped their offer for exciting Brazilian attacking midfielder Douglas Costa from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk to an impressive £18.7 million, report the Mail, with Blues manager Jose Mourinho moving closer to securing a double deal for both Costa and fellow South American attacker Juan Cuadrado from Fiorentina.
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The report suggests that Chelsea had an opening offer of £16m for Costa rejected in recent days, but Mourinho is keen to strengthen his squad during January and the club are set to return with a second offer, with the manager’s feelings likely to have been strengthened by Saturday’s shock FA Cup defeat to Bradford City at Stamford Bridge.
The 24 year-old Costa is one of the star players at a Shakhtar Donetsk team who continue to impress in the Ukrainian league despite playing their games in exile due to the conflict in their home region, and has had a fine attacking relationship with fellow Brazilian Luiz Adriano this season.
With Willian another Brazilian who has played for Shakhtar, Chelsea and Mourinho are clearly keen on exciting South American signings who have moved into European football through Ukraine.