Thursday, 31st January, 2013

Wealthy Russian Premier League side Anzhi Makhachkala have had a bid for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Willian rejected, according to Brazilian daily Lance.

Guus Hiddink's men, who have had their coffers boosted by selling defender Christopher Samba to QPR, are said to have offered €35M for Willian, but seen this turned down by Shakhtar Donetsk.

 


Willian is under contract with Shakhtar Donetsk until 2014 and, curiously, his release clause is almost the same as the amount Anzhi Makhachkala offered.

Shakhtar Donetsk are desperate not to lose Willian before the end of the season, particularly with the club still in the Champions League, where they will meet Schalke in the Round of 16.

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Willian has been linked with making an exit from the Donbass Arena consistently over the last 12 months and has admitted that both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur tried to buy him last summer.

The Brazilian is keen on moving to England and could exit Shakhtar Donetsk this summer.

However, with the Russian transfer window not closing until 27th February, there may be time for Anzhi Makhachkala to still get their man.

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