Brazil heavyweights Corinthians keen to sell striker Alexandre Pato at the beginning of 2016, with Liverpool heavily linked to the forward.
Remarkably, Corinthians president Roberto de Andrade has revealed that he is desperate to offload the international frontman, who is currently on loan at Sao Paulo.
Liverpool have seen Danny Ings ruled out for the season with injury, while summer signing Christian Benteke has also endured his fair share of fitness concerns this season. As such, Pato has been tipped to be pencilled in as Jurgen Klopp’s first signing, with a potential move plotted for January. Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, via the Metro, has reported that the striker is set to move in the new year for £14.2 million.
“Yes [I’m praying to sell him]. We know how difficult it would be if he were to return. I’m quite sure [he will go],” said de Andrade on SporTV, as reported by Goal.
“His agent is working with some clubs in Europe, making inquiries so that we can sell. It is being very well received.
“He has a market, is a great player, is 26-years-old – he meets all the requirements to play in a big club. I’m certain he will be sold.”
The forward’s loan spell at Corinthians’ domestic rivals Sao Paulo ends at the end of his year, and de Andrade’s comments apparently make it clear that his parent club are keen that he does not return.
The president’s comments may well come as good news for Liverpool, who have been heavily linked to the player in recent times.
According to Tutto Mercato Web [via the Independent], a transfer has been ‘agreed in principle’ with the two clubs, with de Andrade later stating that the player will move ‘in the coming weeks’.
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Pato previously spent five years with AC Milan, during which time he scored 63 goals in 150 outings, but a litany of injuries saw him spend considerable time on the sidelines, and he returned to his homeland in 2013 for £12 million [fee via the Independent].
“Pato had long expressed a desire to return to Europe,” de Andrade continued. “Liverpool await, there are a few missing details, but Klopp will have a new reinforcement and for Pato the Premier League will be a new springboard.”