Porto have warned Chelsea off signing defender Alvaro Pereira in the January transfer window, ESPN reports.
Andre Villas-Boas is eager to reunite with the Uruguayan international at Stamford Bridge and the Blues were unsuccessful with a summer offer. Pereira was magnificent under the Chelsea boss at Porto last season and is considered one of European football’s best left backs. Chelsea are preparing an improved bid for the defender, as they look to find replacements for some of their ageing stars.
Ashley Cole, who currently holds the Blues left-back slot, turned 31 today and is reaching the twilight. Pereira is only 26 and has been impressive for his national side, as Uruguay won the 2011 Copa America. Porto president Jorge Pinto da Costa is adamant that none of his players will leave in January and has issued a warning to any bids coming from the West Londoners.
Pinto da Costa said: ‘I have offered a guarantee to the coach that no important players will leave the team in January and that includes Alvaro Pereira. I think the chance to do a deal for this player has passed and that is good news for us. Now is the time that rumours start spreading about players, but I am used to it’.
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