Chelsea transfer rumours and news: Blues close in on Alexandre Pato; Antoine Griezmann wants to stay

The latest happenings at Stamford Bridge on the morning after the night before which saw Chelsea defeat Arsenal

Alexandre Pato (Getty)

Chelsea hope Alexandre Pato can fire them to glory in the Champions League after reports suggested they have a loan deal agreed in principle. The Blues are keen to secure extra cover in attacking positions in light of Diego Costa’s inconsistent form, despite the Spain international’s emphatic display against Arsenal, and Loic Remy’s supposedly imminent departure.

According to Sky Sports, the deal to sign Pato was put in place by former manager Jose Mourinho while Guus Hiddink, the Portuguese’s replacement, is hesitant about doing a deal this month. But the Stamford Bridge hierarchy are likely to conclude a swoop for the 26-year-old before the winter window closes on February 1. Speaking last month, Pato said: “One day I knew I would like to come to England because I think the championship is number one in the world.”

Meanwhile, in less pleasing news for the Blues, the Londoners have been handed a considerable blow to their long-term transfer strategy after Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann announced his plans to remain in Spain. Reports have suggested the Blues were considering a summer raid for the Frenchman after discovering he had a buy-out clause amounting to £60m.

But Griezmann, whose contract expires in 2020, told Telefoot: “I am feeling very well at Atletico. This is a big club and I want to achieve great things here. I am ambitious and my goal is to win trophies here. I have become more mature. The club and my team-mates rely on me.”

Shakhtar Donetsk forward Alex Teixieira (Getty Images)

The race to sign Shakhtar Donetsk forward Alex Teixeira rumbles on with Liverpool making slow progress agreeing a fee with the Ukrainian outfit, according to the Liverpool Echo. Daniel Sturridge, Danny Ings and Divock Origi have all suffered with persistent knocks in recent weeks, forcing manager Jurgen Klopp’s hand in the transfer market. Their offer of £24.5m was rejected last week.

Shakhtar are holding out for nearer £38m and know Liverpool may be forced to pay over the odds or face missing out on their man this month. If the move falls through, Chelsea are primed to pounce.

Former Blues boss Jose Mourinho - who the Independent revealed has sent Manchester United a six-page dossier this week - is increasingly confident about his chances of taking the top job at Old Trafford. Following the 1-0 home defeat to Southampton on Saturday afternoon, the pressure has been mounting on Louis van Gaal amid a chorus of discontent in the stands and on online message boards.

According to the Times, Mourinho has held talks with the Old Trafford boardroom and is beginning to expect, rather than hope, to be installed as their new manager. “I’m very disappointed that