Chelsea have 'made an offer' for China and Guangzhou Evergrande defender Zhang Linpeng.
Ramos pictured enjoying a holiday in Ibiza with his wife, Pilar Rubio, this summer
The
Premier League champions sent a contract on Wednesday and hope to
secure the 26-year-old right back before the summer transfer window
closes on on September 1, according to Chinese media on Friday.
The
player's nickname 'Zhangmos' is a nod to Real Madrid's stalwart
defender Sergio Ramos, who he has been compared with in China.
Chinese media are reporting that Guangzhou Evergrande defender Zhang Linpeng (right) is off to Chelsea
The right back is said to be on the verge of sealing a loan move to Stamford Bridge before next week
Zhang has been compared to Real Madrid and Spain defender Sergio Ramos (right)
Ramos pictured enjoying a holiday in Ibiza with his wife, Pilar Rubio, this summer
'I'm very happy and very excited to finally have this formal invitation,' Zhang told Titan newspaper.
'I've
worked hard and waited these five or six years for my dream of playing
overseas, and finally have recognition from the English Premier League.'
China
international Zhang and the clubs were working through the terms of his
transfer, Titan said, which was likely to be a loan deal.
Chinese
Super League champions Guangzhou are managed by former Chelsea boss
Luiz Felipe Scolari and boast two renowned ex-Premier League players.
Paulinho
cost the club almost £10million in June when they took him from
Tottenham, while Brazil striker Robinho is also in their midst.
Even if the deal was to go ahead, Zhang said he did not expect to get straight into Premier League football.
Players
from non-European Union countries are subject to tighter work permit
requirements in Britain, and Chelsea might elect to loan the defender to
a European side for a period of time to pave his way into the league.
A move for Everton defender John Stones looks unlikely after the Toffees rejected his transfer request
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been on the hunt for defensive reinforcements all summer
Midfielder Paulinho joined Guangzhou from Tottenham in June and cost the club around £10million
'Although
I'm unable to play Premier League directly, I believe (Chelsea) will
have the most professional arrangements regarding my permit,' Zhang
added.
'I have no worries at all about the negotiations.'
Technically
proficient and solidly built, Zhang has been a key player in
Guangzhou's success in China and their run to the 2013 Asian Champions
League title.
Chelsea remain on the hunt for Everton defender John Stones but the Toffees rejected his transfer request on Thursday
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