Villareal to continue negotiations for Alexandre Pato

Negotiations continue between Corinthians and Villarreal for the sale of Alexandre Pato, with La Liga club yet to meet Timão’s valuation according to UOL Esporte. The Spaniards approached Corinthians for the wantaway striker last week and UOL suggests that talks are ongoing. Corinthians are said to want at least €5m for Pato to purchase the […]
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sambafoot_admin
2016-07-25 19:55:00

Negotiations continue between Corinthians and Villarreal for the sale of Alexandre Pato, with La Liga club yet to meet Timão’s valuation according to UOL Esporte. The Spaniards approached Corinthians for the wantaway striker last week and UOL suggests that talks are ongoing.

Corinthians are said to want at least €5m for Pato to purchase the São Paulo’s 60% share in the player. Villarreal reportedly offered €3m for the player, whose contract expires in December. Corinthians are keen to offload Pato due to the size of his salary.

He joined Corinthians in 2013 but endured a nightmare season, whereupon he spent two years on loan at city rivals São Paulo, before an unsuccessful four month loan spell with Chelsea earlier this year.

He has been training with his parent club since July 3rd but is yet to play again, with the club keen to sell and the player candid about his desire to return to Europe. Lazio expressed an interest a few weeks back and Pato is said to be receptive to the overtures of the Spanish club, who are well versed in recruiting from South America.

Pato’s wage demands could be a stumbling block, he turned down Lazio’s offer of €1.5m per year, with his form so poor for so long, it is difficult to see a European club willing to pay him much more. Pato was meant to play in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Figuierense on Saturday, but was removed from consideration 48 hours before the match, with Corinthians citing fitness issues, sparking rumours that a move was imminent.