Reports from ESPN FC Brazil have said that a verbal agreement has been reached between Chelsea and Corinthians forward Alexandre Pato.

Pato has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge along with fellow Brazilian Alex Teixeria.

Sky Sports understands that Pato’s representatives have been constantly linked with English clubs in the past year, however according to ESPN FC, they have been told that Chelsea are in advanced talks with the forward’s agent.

Previously the Evening Standard, said that some Chelsea players believed that Pato would be playing at Stamford Bridge this January and a £11m deal could be struck this week.

The move for Pato would significantly boost manager Guus Hiddink’s options upfront, especially after Diego Costa badly bruised his tibia at the weekend.

Should Pato sign quickly and Chelsea register him before noon on Friday, then he would be in line to make his debut against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

The transfer fee could range from £8m-£10m. Pato came to prominence during his time with Milan, and was known for his pace and prowess in front of goal.

He was on loan at Sao Paulo for the last two years and he was in impressive form for the Brazilian outfit scoring 26 goals in 61 appearances for Sao Paulo in 2015.