Premier League champions Chelsea have made an offer for Guangzhou Evergrande defender Zhang Linpeng, according to reports.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho is understood to be keen to bolster his back third before the end of the summer transfer window after seeing his side ship seven goals in its opening three league fixtures.
After missing out on John Stones, Chinese newspaper Titan [via Reuters] reports the Blues have made a formal offer to sign the 26-year-old defender.
Linpeng told Titan he was over-the-moon with the offer and was close to realising his dream of playing in the Premier League.
“I’m very happy and very excited to finally have this formal invitation,” Zhang is reported as saying by Reuters.
“I’ve worked hard and waited these five-six years for my dream of playing overseas, and finally have recognition from the English Premier League.”
Former Guangzhou boss Marcelo Lippi described Linpeng as being the best local player in the Chinese Super League.
Linpeng has helped his side win the Chinese Super League four times since arriving in 2010 from Shanghai East Asia, and played a pivotal role in the club’s 2013 AFC Champions League triumph.
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