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Playing for Chelsea would be a 'dream' - Douglas Costa

ESPN staff
January 23, 2015
Douglas Costa has admitted he wants a move to a European heavyweight © Getty Images
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Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Douglas Costa has admitted that playing for Chelsea would be a "dream" amid reports the Premier League leaders are targeting the Brazilian this January.

Costa, 24, has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, with the Daily Mail reporting that Shakhtar have rejected an initial offer of £16 million for the midfielder.

The Ukrainian club are currently on a tour in South America and Costa has insisted he is prepared to force a move to West London if they fail to accept an improved offer.

Costa told Globo Esporte: "It's a dream to play at Chelsea, a unique chance. I will try to negotiate."

Any move for Costa is likely to be dependent on Chelsea letting go of either Andre Schuerrle or Mohamed Salah this month, while sources told ESPN earlier this week that Jose Mourinho is also targeting a January deal for Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado.

Costa told La Gazzetta dello Sport back in August that he was "ready for a big club" and would like to follow in the footsteps of his idol Ronaldinho by joining AC Milan.

Shakhtar are facing a struggle to keep a number of their top players, with the city of Donetsk currently the scene of fierce fighting between Ukrainian troops and separatist rebels.

Star striker Luiz Adriano said last week that he would be happy to leave the club with his contract running out this summer.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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