体坛英语新闻：Pato close to Chelsea loan move

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- Corinthians striker Alexandre Pato is close to signing a six-month loan deal with defending English Premier League champions Chelsea, according to media reports in Brazil.

The 26-year-old has been offered to Chelsea with the option of a permanent move in July, the Globoesporte news portal said on Monday.

Corinthians director Eduardo Ferreira confirmed the club is awaiting approval from the London outfit for the deal to go ahead.

"It's in the hands of the president (Roberto Andrade), but we don't have anything official yet. We are waiting," Ferreira said.

Pato, who joined Corinthians from AC Milan for 15 million euros in January 2013, completed a two-year loan spell at Sao Paulo last month.

He enjoyed the most prolific season of his professional career in 2015 with 26 goals across all competitions.

Liverpool, Chelsea, West Ham and Tianjin Songjiang are also said to have shown interest in signing the 26-year-old.