• Premier League

Chelsea in secret £30m Martinez talks

ESPN staff
November 28, 2013
Porto could sell Jackson Martinez if they fail to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League © PA Photos
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Chelsea are reportedly in secret talks over a £30 million move for Porto hitman Jackson Martinez.

The 27-year-old hit 34 goals last season and is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe.

According to the Daily Mirror, Martinez's agent has held talks with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's right-hand man Marina Granovskaia in London.

Porto face an uphill task to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League, requiring a win away to unbeaten group leaders Atletico Madrid, and exiting the competition would hasten their willingness to sell Martinez.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is also targeting Martinez's fellow Colombian Radamel Falcao in a bid to boost his options up front. Abramovich was confident of luring Falcao to Stamford Bridge before he sealed a lucrative switch to Monaco from Atletico.

However Chelsea are refusing to give up their fight, and see Martinez as a back-up option if they cannot convince Falcao to join them. Martinez is under contract until 2016 at Porto with a buy-out clause of £35 million.

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