Yes, We Want Hulk and Nani – Zenit Boss Luciano Spalletti Confirms Targets

Sunday, 19th August, 2012

Zenit St. Petersburg coach Luciano Spalletti has confirmed that the Russian Premier League champions would like to sign FC Porto striker Hulk and Manchester United winger Nani – but stressed only if the price is right.

Spalletti has been on the lookout for a number of new signings this summer and has money to spend, with the club keen to make an impact in the Champions League.

Thus far Zenit have been fairly quiet in the summer transfer window, but the Italian tactician will end that if he can sign the players he wants without paying inflated fees.

Of late there has been much speculation that Zenit want to snap up Porto’s prolific striker Hulk and Manchester United’s exciting winger Nani, and Spalletti has conceded that that is indeed the case.

"This is true", said Spalletti, when asked about whether he wants the duo, at a press conference.

"It will all depend on how much they cost. Of course, we cannot pay too much money. We’ll see.

"We like Hulk and Nani", added the Italian, before adding mischievously, "We like Messi."

Zenit have not yet made an offer for Nani yet however, despite much speculation to the contrary and Spalletti insisted that first it is necessary to see whether Manchester United will sell and what their asking price might be.

"No, there has been no concrete proposal to the player or the club, because if the club does not want to sell the player, there is no reason to make an offer."

It remains to be seen how Manchester United will react to news of Zenit’s interest, but it is possible a substantial offer may cause heads to be turned at Old Trafford, particularly after the club’s recent outlay on Robin van Persie.

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