• Premier League

Brazil star Paulinho plays down Chelsea talk

ESPN staff
October 18, 2012
Paulinho is a Brazil international © PA Photos
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Brazil international Paulinho has played down reports that Chelsea could make a move for his services in January.

Paulinho, 24, has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this week but the midfielder, who recently signed a four-year deal with Corinthians, said there is no transfer in the offing at this stage.

"It is just speculation," he said on Wednesday. "There is nothing official."

Paulinho has impressed with his club this season, and Inter Milan and CSKA Moscow have also been linked, but Corinthians coach Tite remains hopeful the player will stay put.

"I have no idea where this information has come from," Tite said in Globo Esporte in response to the Chelsea rumours. "We are at an important stage in Corinthians' history and this information will not disrupt us.

"Money doesn't buy everything. It could be a lot of money, but if the player is smart and has ambition, as Paulinho does, then money will not be enough.

"Everyone wants him, but that changes nothing. Corinthians come first. The biggest assets a club have are their players and their achievements here. I want him to stay and I praise Paulinho's intelligence. When he decided to stay here, he increased the value of everybody.

"He is at a club where he is settled, in a system that suits him, so his career will continue to grow."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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