• Premier League

Willian 'would love' to play for Chelsea or Spurs

Willian considers Andre Villas-Boas a good friend © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Willian issues come-and-get-me plea to Chelsea
  
• News: Di Matteo backs Chelsea leader Terry
  
• Preview: Shakhtar keen for Chelsea to learn Willian lesson
  
• News: 'Powerless' Lloris unhappy with bench role
  
• News: Chelsea's 'new breed' excites Di Matteo
  
• News: Di Matteo: No time off for Terry
  

Shakhtar Donetsk star Willian says he would "love to play" for either Tottenham or Chelsea, ahead of his current club's clash with the reigning European champions.

Willian, 24, has previously been linked with both Chelsea and Spurs, with a £16.7 million bid from the latter rejected just before the end of the summer transfer window.

Despite his failure to secure a switch to White Hart Lane, however, the Brazilian forward has remained in close contact with Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas and is still tempted by the prospect of playing in the Premier League.

"There were two offers in the summer,'' Willian told Lancenet. "One from Chelsea and one from Tottenham. Choosing between the two clubs would be difficult. I don't know.

"I mean, Tottenham is a big club and it has a good person in charge. Andre Villas-Boas wanted to bring me to Chelsea and also tried at Tottenham. He always sends me messages. We are always in touch, and he has become a friend, for sure.

"And Chelsea is Chelsea. They are a great team, with amazing players and are the champions of Europe. I would love to play for either of those clubs."

Willian is expected to line up for Shakhtar in the Ukrainian side's crunch Champions League meeting with the Blues at Donbass Arena on Tuesday - and though he is focused on securing a result, he recognises that such an occasion offers him a platform to shine.

"My mind remains at Shakhtar, and I'll do my best to get the win against Chelsea," he said. "Everybody knows what my goal is. I've clearly stated that I would like to play in a bigger stage, whether it be England, Spain or Italy.

"I want to come back to the national team, and being in a bigger spotlight would help me get noticed.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.