Chelsea are set to face stiff competition from Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg for the signature of Porto star Hulk according to recent reports in Russia and Portugal.
The Porto winger is currently with the Brazilian national team for the Olympics in London and doubts still linger over his future. The South American has been pursued by the Blues for a few months and a move to the Stamford Bridge is considered by many as long overdue. The Samba international has a release clause of £80m in his current contract but the Primeira Liga champions are looking for a sum of around £40m which the Londoners are not willing to match.
However, recent reports emanating from Russia and Portugal speak of a possible deal between Porto and Zenit for the 25 year old. But Record and protransfers.ru report that former Porto center half Bruno Alves would be part of the player plus cash deal. The Portuguese defender, who impressed during the Euros ’12, spent nine years in the Estadio do Dragao before sealing his move to Russia and could once again be on his way to his native country.