Alexandre Pato 'prefers' Chelsea transfer over Liverpool move

The Brazilian is keen on a move to the Premier League

Alexandre Pato (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool and Chelsea will go head-to-head in an attempt to acquire the services of former AC Milan hotshot Alexandre Pato.

Currently playing in the Brazilian league for Corinthians, it's believed that Pato wants out of his home nation in order to return to Europe – in particular, the Premier League. Corinthians meanwhile are keen to relieve the 26-year-old off their wage bill this January with Chelsea and Liverpool among the clubs from the top five European leagues sniffing around.

To sign the Brazilian international a valuation of £11m must be met, deemed as a cut-price deal due to his contract running out in December of this year.

Liverpool appear to be the frontrunners in signing Pato, but it is Chelsea that the former AC Milan hotshot would prefer to play for this season.

While on-loan for the majority of the 2014/15 campaign at São Paulo, Pato scored 26 goals in 59 appearances, which fired them into next season’s Libertadores Cup.

Alexandre Pato thinks highly of the Premier League and is ready to face what’s in front of him.

"I don’t think the physical part of English football would be a problem. When you get the ball, you need to be ready. The defenders here are very tough but I like that. I have spoken to Willian, Firmino, Coutinho and David Luiz before,” he said.

Even before joining AC Milan back in 2007, Pato has always wanted to play in the Premier League and is determined to succeed in that wish.

“One day I knew I would like to come to England because I think the championship is the number one in the world. It is very competitive.”