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FC Porto president, Pinto da Costa, revealed that he is hoping that star striker Hulk will not leave the club in the upcoming transfer window.
The Brazilian International has become one of the most coveted assets in Europe following two scintillating seasons for the Portistas. Hulk has been bagging goals by the dozen and formed a lethal partnership with Radamel Falcao last term and led the club to an unprecedented quadruple.
Even with Falcao’s departure, the former Tokyo Verdy man has taken matters into his own hand and has often single-handedly driven the Portuguese champions to victories. Scoring 12 times in 21 appearances this campaign, the 25-year-old has been the side’s most influential player.
With an ability to make something out of nothing and swing proceedings in his favour, Hulk has attracted the attention of almost every major European club.
Anzhi Makhachkala, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are believed to be the ones, who are prepared to part ways with outrageous sums of money to land his signature.
Anzhi offered Porto nearly €87 million to sell their prized forward, but the Portuguese champions refused saying that nothing less than their €100 million evaluation would be accepted.
Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with the attacker in recent months, as they now boast considerable financial muscle following their take-over by the Qatari Investment Authority.
The Parisians have been looking to become a dominant force in Europe and have targeted the Selecao International as a possible addition to the Parc des Princes in the winter transfer window.
English Premier League giants, Chelsea, have also been reported to be monitoring the progress of the former Kawasaki Frontale man and are allegedly looking to match Porto’s asking price, in order to bring him to Stamford Bridge.
Andre Villas-Boas, who worked with the player at Estadio do Dragao, is a keen admirer of his talents and has supposedly sought Hulk to curb the attacking woes in London.
While everything looks set for a move, Porto president Pinto da Costa claims that he is hoping that the Brazilian will stay put in the winter and not seek greener pastures elsewhere.
Speaking to reporters, the superemo said that he was not going to be shocked if someone broke the transfer record to sign the talented front-man but he hoped that it would not happen this season, in this winter window.
"I hope that no-one meets Hulk's buy-out clause, but I would not be surprised if someone pays €100m someday."
"I would like, however, that no-one paid that figure,” Pinto da Costa was quoted as saying.
While the Dragon’s hierarchy do not want their best player to leave the club, as he is essential to Vitor Pereira’s plans. However given that a plethora of sides are on his trail and have the money to land his signature, a transfer for Hulk is likely to arise in the near future.
