Corinthians will attempt to swap Alexandre Pato for Fluminense striker Fred if Chelsea opt against making his swap permanent at the end of the season, according to ESPN Brazil.
Chelsea reportedly hold no interest in keeping Pato beyond the end of the season as they look to transform their squad under new manager Antonio Conte in the summer, paving the way for the 26-year-old to return to his parent club.
The former Brazil international’s contract is due to expire at the end of the year and Corinthians are suggested to be hopeful of taking advantage of Fred’s situation at Fluminense by using a striker six years his senior as bait.
Fred, 32, is a club icon for Fluminense but has reportedly fallen out with manager Levir Culpi and wants out.
Fred, who was a disaster at the 2014 World Cup, played a direct hand in 14 league goals last season (nine goals, five assists), finishing as Fluminense’s most potent player in front of goal.
For more stats on Alexandre Pato, click here to visit his WhoScored player page